Engineer Michael Thuita has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Athi Water Works Development Agency following pressure from the government calling for his suspension over allegations of abusing office to secure tender projects valued at Ksh50 billion.
His resignation comes a day after the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei asked the Board to suspend the CEO to allow detectives from the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) to complete investigations.
In a statement from the Board's chairperson, Charles Kamau Karondo explained that Joseph Mungai Kamau would serve as CEO in an acting capacity.
"I wish to thank Michael Thuita for his service to the Agency," he said.
"We assure all our stakeholders and the public at large that Athi Water Works Development Agency will continue to discharge its mandate effectively."
Thuita is in police custody as investigations into fraud allegations and abuse of office continue.
According to EACC, the suspended CEO allegedly awarded three tenders between 2012 and 2018, which amounted to over Ksh50 billion.
The first tender involved the tender for the design and construction of the Karimenu II dam, valued at Ksh24 billion.
The second one was the last mile water connectivity in Tanathi area which cost Ksh720 million. The third project was the design and construction of the Ruiru II dam, amounting to Ksh26 billion.
EACC wrote to Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome on May 31, 2023, seeking Thuita's suspension pending investigations.
A day later, the CS responded to the commission by requesting for evidence to be provided before taking any action.
