MP raises graft claims in Mudavadi's Ministry

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Local Government minister Musalia Mudavadi is facing allegations of corruption in his Ministry with claims that an officer demanded a bribe on his behalf in the award of tenders for implementation of Economic Stimulus Projects June 14, 2011. FILE

By CAROLINE WAFULA
Posted  Tuesday, June 14 2011 at 16:17

Local Government minister Musalia Mudavadi is facing allegations of corruption in his Ministry with claims that an officer demanded a bribe on his behalf in the award of tenders for implementation of Economic Stimulus Projects.

But Mr Mudavadi, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, denied the claims made by Makadara MP Gideon Mbuvi.

Mr Mbuvi claimed an official from the Ministry had demanded a bribe of Sh3million for the minister and Sh5 million for the Permanent Secretary from a contractor before he could be paid for construction of fresh produce markets in his constituency.

Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim referred the matter to the departmental committee of Parliament which shall investigate the claims and report back to the House in three weeks' time.

The MP claimed a contractor abandoned the market in Makadara after he refused to part with a kick back, some 10 per cent of the total cost.

Mr Mbuvi went ahead to table a letter written by a complainant, a Mr Ndirangu who is the said contractor. The letter was addressed to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (Kacc).

MPs claimed there was corruption in the Ministry with Konoin MP Mr Julius Kones claiming one contractor was awarded five contracts at the same time against the government policy. He said the ESP projects had stalled as a result.

Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale and Gwassi MP Mr John Mbadi requested that the relevant committee on Local Authorities takes up to the matter to delve deeper into the issues.

Mr Mbadi, however, said in future any letter making such damning allegations against anyone should first be referred to the relevant committee of the House before it is brought to Parliament.

The matter came up following a question that was filed to the minister by Limuru MP Peter Mwathi. The MP asked the minister to provide a list of all the tenders signed to date for the construction of fresh produce markets countrywide and indicate the construction status of each project.

Mr Mudavadi said the claims of bribery were false.

“This report has no substance, it is completely not true, it something we cannot take on record as being substantive,” the minister said.