•The official opening of the Bunge Tower is set for Friday this week in an event to be presided over by President William Ruto.
•However, some lawmakers now want the event cancelled even as they demanded answers from the PSC on the condition of the building
Image: FILE
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has defended the condition of the multi-billion Bunge Tower building.
This is after a section of lawmakers called for the postponement of its official opening.
Wetang'ula on Wednesday warned that MPs who have been talking ill of the building may soon find themselves before the Powers and Privileges committee to shed more light on their allegations.
'There are six high speed lifts working effectively. The offices are ready with furniture being assembled in every office. The gym is equipped and members will start using it soon,’’ Wetang'ula said.
Legislators led by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei demanded that the Public Service Commission (PSC) avail the copies of the certificate clearing the building for occupation by the members and parliamentary staff.
"Those members who have poured vitriol on this process in fact may find themselves before the Powers and Privileges committee because they are saying things without proof," Wetang'ula warned.
He further stated that the contractor of the building does now owe senator Cherargei any duty to show him the completion certificate or any other document.
‘"I want to encourage you members not to join what in my many public speeches I call rejectionist philosophers on the streets of Nairobi,’’ Wetang'ula advised MPs.
Wetang'ula also indicated that PSC has decided that it will outsource the management of the kitchen.
The official opening of the Bunge Tower is set for Friday this week in an event to be presided over by President William Ruto.
President Ruto is scheduled to officially open the building for use by the members after 14 years of construction.
However, some lawmakers now want the event cancelled even as they demanded answers from the PSC on the condition of the building.
"PSC should be taken to explain the mystery of billions surrounding the construction of Bunge Towers which has been a moving target and has taken all these years to be completed, " Cherargei said.
Addressing a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, Cherargei said the contract for the project has been revised several times, beyond the limit provided for by the PFM Act, 2012.
The construction of the building started in 2010 with an initial budget of Sh5.89 billion.
Later, it was revised to Sh7.1 billion before being pushed to Sh9.6 billion.