Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina has become candid over a bribe he was offered by Solai Dam suspects in efforts to influence the project's outcome.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, June 16, the senator disclosed that he was approached with the bribe but declined to accept it owing to his strong leadership skills.
The outspoken senator was responding to claims that almost all senators were tainted owing to the direction the determination of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru's trial had taken.
"In the Solai Dam investigations, some of us were approached. I was personally approached with a lot of money but because of the life of the people of Solai, we said no.
"During the Ruaraka Land Report, Senator Murkomen (Kipchumba), who knew very well that the people of Ruaraka had lost land, decided to bolt. When you talk about senators being easily manipulated, I think it is a little bit ludicrous," stated Ledama.
The Solai Dam, located in Nakuru County, grabbed the attention of the public after it burst its banks leading to more than 10 deaths and 2,500 people displaced.
The dam carried a 20 million-litre water capacity and after the tragedy struck in 2018, Patel Coffee Estates owner Perry Mansukh and eight other people were charged in Naivasha.
In the prosecution file, DPP Noordin Haji raised pertinent questions including "who was contracted to construct the dam and whether he was licensed, whether there were regular inspections of the dam and by who, and whether approvals were given for the additions and modifications made on the dam over the years."
A report at the time showed that the construction of the dam licensed by officials of the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) although an earlier report had termed it illegal.
Committee vs Plenary
While appearing on the show, Ledama also supported the Senate's choice to have Waiguru tried by a committee arguing that it was the best option that would deliver justice for both the people of Kirinyaga as well as the governor.
"With a plenary, we will only be playing to the gallery…If we bring the Kirinyaga matter to the plenary, we will not give justice to both Gov Waiguru and residents of Kirinyaga," he argued.
Murkomen, on the other hand, was of the opinion that the Senate was being influenced by outside forces with an aim of saving the embattled county boss.
"I have told the people of Kirinyaga that their case is closed. They should look for another place where their governor will be accountable… The committee formed was to cleanse the governor," he argued.
Waiguru is set to be tried by an 11-member committee after Kirinyaga MCAs voted to impeach her.
