Athi Water Board CEO Michael Thuita Resigns
Engineer Michael Thuita resigned as CEO of the Athi Water Works Development Agency in response to government pressure demanding his suspension for allegedly exploiting his position to secure Ksh50 billion in tender projects.
His resignation comes one day after the Head of the Public Service, Felix Koskei, requested that the Board suspend the CEO to enable the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to complete their investigations.
In a statement from the chairman of the board, Charles Kamau Karondo explained that Joseph Mungai Kamau would serve as interim CEO.
“I wish to thank Michael Thuita for his service to the Agency,” he said.
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“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 while investigations into allegations of fraud and official misconduct continue.
According to the EACC, the suspended CEO awarded three contracts totaling over Ksh50 billion between 2012 and 2018.
The first tender, valued at Ksh24 billion, was for the design and construction of the Karimenu II dam.
The second expense was Ksh720 million for the last mile of water connectivity in the Tanathi region. The third undertaking, totaling Ksh26 billion, was the design and construction of the Ruiru II dam.
EACC wrote to Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome on May 31, 2023, seeking Thuita’s suspension pending investigations.
The following day, the CS responded to the commission by requesting evidence before taking action.
Athi Water Board CEO Michael Thuita Resigns