EACC detectives are questioning Athi Water Works Development Authority CEO Michael Thuita touching on procurements at the institution
Credible sources told the Star Thuita was picked by EACC detectives at Parklands, Nairobi, and taken to EACC headquarters.
EACC sources when reached for comment confirmed the CEO was being processed at the headquarters.
The anti-graft detectives are said to have conducted search operations at his homes for documents regarding procurement.
"EACC sought and obtained court orders to search the residence and office of the Eng. Michael Thuita, which it executed this morning, 22nd September 2023, at his residence in Westlands and Ongata Rongai as well as his office along Kiambu road," officials aware of the matter told the Star.
This comes after the Water CS Alice Wahome ignored EACC's recommendation to have the CEO suspended.
EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak had recommended the suspension saying his continued stay in office will affect the ongoing probe.
The investigations concern the award of tender for the construction of Ruiru Two, Karimenu and Kitui Matuu dams that were undertaken by the agency.
“The CEO, being the accounting officer of the agency, was involved in the implementation of three projects. Therefore, there is a likelihood that his being in office will interfere with the smooth provision of documents and persons who may be called upon as witnesses,” Mbarak told the CS in a letter dated May 24.
The water projects were initiated in 2013 while Thuita was appointed in 2017, four years later.
The Water CS however declined to effect the request maintaining that there was inadequate basis to call for the suspension of the CEO.
In a correspondence, Wahome told the EACC CEO that the subject matter should be investigations into procurement matters and not suspension as referenced in his letter.
“To enable me to consider the recommended action of suspension, kindly let me have the letter of complaint or the complaint file,” she said.
