• DPP already probing Arror and Kimwarer dams in Elgeyo Marakwet
• Murkomen and Kilonzo argue over site, picture
Image: MUTUA KAMETI
Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday called on the DCI to investigate the stalled Thwake Dam in Makueni county.
In a tweet, he uploaded a picture of the alleged dam site, asking how far the DCI is with investigations, if any. He said a Sh7.8 billion payment was made three years ago.
This is the site of Thwake Dam in Makueni County where 7.8B advance payment was made 3 years ago. How far is the @DCI_Kenya with investigations ? We will not allow discrimination as long as we are still in a country called Kenya. pic.twitter.com/YnoL0j0vnr
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) April 3, 2019
Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr stated that Murkomen was on the wrong and the posted picture was not of the dam site.
I am embarrassed to inform you that picture on your post is not the site of the dam . The Thwake dam is at the confluence of two rivers - Athi River and Thwake River . I thought you should know
— Sen Mutula KilonzoJR (@SenMutula) April 3, 2019
"I am embarrassed to inform you that picture on your post is not the site of the dam. The Thwake Dam is at the confluence of two rivers — Athi River and Thwake River. I thought you should know.”
Murkomen replied, stating that Mutula had added more facts.
“I am glad you have not controverted anything. You have just added more facts.”
This Twitter exchange generated many reactions from Kenyans on Twitter. Many of them called out Murkomen on the Arror and Kimwarer dams scandal in Elgeyo-Marakwet.
"I looted funds meant for [Arror] and Kimwarer dam, but look, am not the only one, stop [targeting] me alone"....ngoma ino!” tweeted Kinuthia.
Amina said, “Kesho ni kubaya! (tomorrow I hit you) Kaa square!!!!! State of Nation lazima ilenge mtu!!! (must target someone) Pointing us to other scandals does not make your stealing any less serious...We will not be distracted!!!!”
“When on the spot, don't point fingers! You're a lawyer and you know what to do. My crime will not make your crime legal,” tweeted Rawlings.
Regarding the Arror and Kimwarer dams, the DPP says the investigation is complex but on course. He has yet to hand over investigation files.
DPP Noordin Haji has said more countries have been linked to the saga, hence. more time is needed to finalise investigations.
In the case of the Thwake Dam, a Chinese contractor in February was told to hasten the construction, as it was 12 per cent behind schedule.
The Twitter row did not end there for the two senators. Mutula hit back at Murkomen, stating that he had project proposals, EISA Environmental Impact Assessment reports and schedules of payments.
“For avoidance of doubt, I have BQs (bills of quantity), the project proposal, EISA report and schedule of payments to majority PAPs and a letter showing why the balance is yet to be paid. Tell me where to drop the dossier.”
Murkomen replied that he should drop off a copy to the DCI, later saying that he was proud of the way Mutula was defending the Thwake Dam.
By the way @SenMutula I am so proud of the way you are defending Thwake which is in your county the same way Arror&Kimwarer are in my county. That’s the way to go. Imagine if I said I have BQs of Arror&Kimwarer the way some ignorant tweeps would be all over me with insults! https://t.co/nwdAsuVBlQ
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) April 3, 2019
Kenyans on Twitter asked for the documents to be dropped on the Twitter timelines of the Senator.