Editor's Review

“Why are they chasing me and there is no scandal I have committed, let the investigations take place but I need protection from the government."

Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency CEO Samuel Oruma has been sent on compulsory leave over alleged procurement irregularities.

Oruma who was kicked out of his office on Tuesday, September 26 is being accused of overseeing procurement irregularities while implementing the Water Supply and Sanitation System for Bomet, Longisa, and Mulot towns.

Addressing the media at his office, Oruma defended himself saying there is no scandal he committed in the agency.

“Why are they chasing me and there is no scandal I have committed, let the investigations take place but I need protection from the government,” said Oruma.

The Rift Valley Water Works CEO also said he was the best performer during his first year in office against all other government parastatals.

File image of Felix Koskei.

Oruma further accused Head of Public Service Felix Koskei of trying to push him out of the agency.

“The same senior officer that sent a letter to suspended engineer Oruma has been on several occasions writing other letters not only that one, asking the same board to push the CEO out even including matters concerning tribal balance which the CEO does not really control,” Oruma added.

Koskei on Friday recommended the suspension of Oruma and his Athi Water Works Development Agency counterpart Michael Thuita to allow a probe into allegations of the CEO irregularly awarding tenders.

"The two CEOs are in office, notwithstanding the gravity of allegations and the quantum of resources under inquiry...the inordinate delay in taking action on the part of the board of directors and the ministry is undermining the government's war against corruption," said Koskei.

However, Thuita resigned from Athi Water Works on Saturday and was replaced by Joseph Mungai Kamau who will serve in an acting capacity.