Amid mounting pressure and scrutiny, Eng. Michael M. Thuita, the CEO of Athi Water Works Development Agency, has stepped down from his position. The announcement of his resignation was made by Charles Kamau Karondo, the Chairperson of the Agency’s Board, in an official statement published by Citizen Digital.
Eng. Joseph Mungai Kamau will temporarily assume the role of CEO, serving in an acting capacity as Thuita’s successor.
Expressing gratitude for Thuita’s service, Karondo stated, “I want to extend our appreciation to Eng. Michael M. Thuita for his contributions to the Agency. We want to reassure all our stakeholders and the general public that the Athi Water Works Development Agency remains committed to fulfilling its mission effectively.”
Thuita’s decision to resign comes shortly after Felix Koskei, the State House Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, instructed the water agency to suspend him pending an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into allegations of corruption. Koskei cited irregularities in the tendering process for the Ruiru II, Karimenu, and Kitui Matuu water projects as the reason for Thuita’s suspension. He emphasized that the delay in the board taking action against the CEO was undermining the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
Furthermore, Koskei has called for the suspension of Samuel Oruma, the CEO of the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency Board, over similar accusations related to the Water Supply and Sanitation System projects in Bomet, Longisa, and Mulot towns within the agency’s jurisdiction.
Earlier on the same day, EACC officers arrested Thuita and conducted searches at his residences in Westlands and Rongai, as well as his office, in pursuit of documents deemed crucial for their ongoing investigation.