Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has responded to critics questioning her commitment to stamping out corruption following reports that she hesitated to fire Athi Water Board's former CEO Michael Thuita before his eventual resignation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Wahome confirmed receipt of a letter drafted by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to the Athi Water Board calling for the suspension of Thuita over corruption allegations.
In the letter, CS Wahome defended herself saying that she is cooperating with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to get to the bottom of the matter.
"I have not in any way failed to cooperate with the EACC as alleged by mainstream media reports and the exercise of my discretion not to suspend Eng. Thuita, until the requested information is availed to me, did not prejudice investigations," she stated.
Wahome revealed that the Athi Water Works Development Agency is working with the EACC to complete investigations within the shortest time possible.
"I confirm that I will uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism in handling this matter and any other that may be brought to my attention in the course of my duties as the Cabinet Secretary," she emphasised.
CS Wahome was placed under the microscope after State House Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei on Friday ordered the agency's board to suspend Thuita.
In a statement, Koskei stated that the move had been necessitated by the need to pave the way for investigations into alleged misconduct in awarding tenders for the construction of the Ruiru II, Karimenu, and Kitui Matuu water projects.
Following the directive, Thuita was arrested by EACC on Saturday as the push and pull between different factions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party escalated.
He later resigned and was replaced with Joseph Mungai who will serve in acting capacity.
Conversely, on May 31, the EACC wrote to Wahome asking her to suspend the former CEO to give room for investigations.
At the time, Wahome requested bulletproof evidence against Thuita before making any decisions.
