Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS), Charles Keter, caused a 30-minute standoff during a Senate committee meeting held on Wednesday.
The CS refused to answer questions directed to him regarding the contentious Ksh74 billion Lake Turkana wind power project, citing gag orders from the Attorney General’s (Ags) office.
“I have not refused to answer any questions. I’m more than ready to put all the facts on the table since I have nothing to hide. However, I must consult the attorney-general so that he can advise me on how to handle the matter,” he revealed.
Bungoma Senator, Moses Wetangula was vocal in demanding that the CS be held accountable as the issue raised touched on public interest.
“No amount of court proceedings can stop accounting probity on a matter of public interest,” the senator asserted.
His counterpart, Narok Senator, Ledama ole Kina backed his sentiments and informed the adamant CS that the Senate was an independent house making the questions raised regarding project none sub-judice.
The CS had been summoned to the committee to explain the viability of the multi-billion wind power project that was yet to allegedly deliver a single unit of power to the national grid.
Activist Okiya Omtatah had presented a petition to court in 2018, seeking halting of any further payments to the project, which he claimed had already received Ksh39 billion and was yet to supply any output of power to the national grid.
The Senate Committee chairman, Ephraim Maina resolved that court proceedings could not impede the Senate hearings.
Mr Keter was summoned to appear before the committee next Monday ready to answer all their questions.
