Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that the controversial construction of the Arror and Kimwarer dams in Kenya will soon resume. These mega dams were initially halted in 2019 due to allegations of misappropriation of funds. Gachagua claims that the construction was stopped as a result of political rivalry between President William Ruto and his former boss, Uhuru Kenyatta. The estimated cost of the dams was Sh63 billion, but controversy surrounding the projects led to the dismissal of former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and other government officials in 2019.
The Arror Dam’s budget was reduced from Sh35 billion to Sh15 billion, but construction did not commence. The Kimwarer dam, on the other hand, was completely canceled. Gachagua accuses opponents of using false corruption claims as a means to suspend government officials and hinder development in President Ruto’s region. In 2021, the Italian company contracted for the dam construction filed a lawsuit against Kenya at the International Court of Arbitration, seeking over Sh11 billion in damages.
Gachagua reveals that the contractor has agreed to withdraw the case, which would have resulted in significant penalties for the country. He assures that the contractor will soon resume work on the dams. Gachagua also announces that the Kamariny Stadium, which has been abandoned since 2020, will resume construction in the current financial year. The stadium’s construction was halted after Rift Valley leaders rejected the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
During an empowerment event, Gachagua and other leaders commend the government for effectively addressing banditry in the Kerio Valley region. Gachagua emphasizes that the security apparatus will not tolerate armed bandits harming local communities. He acknowledges the successful joint operation led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Gachagua is accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Moses Kuria (Trade), Kipchumba Murkomen (roads), and Simon Chelugui (Cooperatives) at the event, which is organized by Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai.
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