Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has broken her silence after Athi Water Works CEO Michael Thuita resigned.
Thuita resigned on Saturday just hours after the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei called for his suspension over alleged tendering malpractices at the agency.
In a statement Saturday evening, CS Wahome said investigations into the alleged impropriety was within the mandate of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
"I am in copy of a letter addressed to Athi Water Board in respect of Eng Michael Thuita by the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei, asking the board to deliberate on the matter within seven days," she said.
"The decision in this case is that of the Board and noting that I have also received another letter addressed to the same board by Eng Michael Thuita and copied to me, the matter of Eng Thuita is functus officio to the Board as he has opted to resign."
Functus officio is a Latin phrase used in reference to an officer or agency whose mandate has expired.
CS Wahome dismissed allegations of failing to cooperate with EACC.
"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 in any way prejudice investigations," she said.
Wahome said the ministry will not condone any form of corruption and promised to uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism in handling the matter.
EACC had on May 14 written to the CS advising her to suspend Thuita over a tender probe relating to the Ruiru-II, Karimenu and Kitui Matuu Water Projects.
Commission chief executive officer Twalib Mbarak said Thuita being the accounting officer of the agency, "there is a likelihood that his being in the office will interfere with the smooth provision of documents and persons who may be called upon as witnesses."
Mbarak said the request is in line with provisions of the Leadership and Integrity Act which provides for the suspension of State or public officers mentioned in alleged graft.
