No money was lost in Arror, Kimwarer dams - Ruto

The corruption allegations surrounding the Arror and Kimwarer dam projects were schemes to incite my supporters against me, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

Speaking during the Presidential debate on Tuesday, the DP  claimed there was no money lost in the tendering processes of the two dams as claimed.

He added that the Sh7 billion paid for the projects was insured and the insurer should have returned the money in case of any loss.

"I don't believe money was lost and if money was lost people should be taken to court," Ruto stated.

He said the truth will soon be laid bare for the people of Kenya to know the schemes choreographed to the disadvantage of his people.

The second in command noted that the company that insured the money is well connected which is the reason no demand letter has been sent to have the money back.

He, however, stated that the country risks losing the Sh7 billion paid for the project because of a contract breach.

"The Sh7 billion that was paid was insured and the question you should be asking is why hasn't the company that insured the money been asked to pay," he said.

In February 2019, the Deputy President denied claims that Sh21 billion was lost in the Arror and Kimwarer multi-purpose dam projects in Elgeyo-Marakwet saying only Sh7 billion was in question.

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.

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 Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate  further claimed  that the government was hiding information that the contractor for the two dams is in court in London  over the issue.'

"Today the government is in court because the contractor with all those allegations demands payment of another 12 billion. the contractors are in court in London. They cannot afford to make it public because it's embarrassing," Ruto added.

He revealed that the contractor could not continue with the project because he was denied land to set up the dam by the government. 

"The reason that was given by the government by the then was the dam was being built in a forest. How many dams are in the forest??…. We have to be honest with ourselves,' Ruto added

He called upon the government to be honest and explain to Kenyans how  20 billion would have been lost from the construction of these dams yet there is nothing on the ground.