• His remarks about Ruto's name missing in court papers in the dams scandal were made during an interview on NTV early Wednesday.
• Haji noted that the assumption is that the DP is connected to the case but his name was not in the files before the court .
Image: ANDREW KASUKU
DPP Noordin Haji has clarified that his remarks that DP William Ruto's name is not in court files in the Aror and Kimwarer case doesn't exonerate him from wrong doing.
Speaking to the Press, the Director of Public Prosecutions said the statement should not be construed to determine whether the DP is or isn't corrupt.
"My statements should not be used for political purposes. It does not mean in any way that any individuals who are suspected or who have been accused of being involved in corruption by saying that that an individual is or is not corrupt," Haji said.
His remarks about Ruto's name missing in court files in the dams scandal were made during an interview on NTV early Wednesday.
“As far as I am concerned and from where I am sitting, no evidence has been brought against him," he stated.
But Haji said anyone who has been accused of being corrupt should take personal initiative and explain themselves to the public and desist from using his statement for political expediency.
"I was being factual and if evidence is brought on anybody, as ODPP we are ready and willing to prosecute," Haji said.
He spoke at his ODPP office in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Haji said public statements touching on any case before court do not serve to indict or exonerate suspected corrupt individuals.
"What matters is what is in the file. Once the file is brought with the requisite evidence then we will deal with it," Haji said.
Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and his co-accused were charged over the dams scandal where the country allegedly lost Sh21 billion paid to an Italian firm for work not done.
In February 2019, the Deputy President denied claims that Sh21 billion was lost in the undone project in Elgeyo-Marakwet saying only Sh7 billion was in question.
His rival Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja has on numerous occasions accused Ruto and his allies of halting the construction of the multi-billion shilling dams.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has also apportioned blame to the DP in his recent remarks.
In an apparent reference to the DP, Uhuru warned that those who have been using money meant for dams have their place in hell.
He made the remarks while addressing Mt Kenya delegates at Sagana state lodge on February 23, 2022.
“Even church leaders should stop telling lies to our people. Let's tell the truth, you are being given 3 billion meant for Kimwarer and Arror dams meant for the children of God, then you come to mislead us,” Uhuru said.
The DPP said it's up to the individuals who have been accused of involvement in the scandal to defend themselves and clear their name.
"It's not my job to do that and I don't want to be associated with any political party or leaning whatsoever," Haji said.