"Go Back And Get Facts": Speaker Wetang'ula Reprimands Water CS Alice Wahome Over Shoddy Report

• During the heated session, Alice Wahome was taken to task over the current status of Chebara Dam in Elgeyo Marakwet county
• While before the floor of the House, it also emerged that some monies meant for the Chebara Dam project did not go to the intended purpose
• National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula asked CS Alice Wahome if she was satisfied with the investigation process

Nairobi - On Wednesday, July 26, Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome took to the floor of the House where MPs questioned her on various issues affecting the country.

During the heated session, Wahome was taken to task over the current status of Chebara Dam in Elgeyo Marakwet county.

It also emerged that some monies meant for the project did not go to the intended purpose.

"The case is still on and, I am supporting the investigation process including prosecution," Wahome told the lawmakers.

Alice Wahome on the receiving end

But in a quick rejoinder, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula asked the CS if she was satisfied with the investigation process.

"You are a distinguished lawyer in this country. From your answer, money was disbursed in 2012. I know it was not your period, but there is a perpetual succession in government. You have agreed that this money might have been misappropriated and the investigations are going on. Are you satisfied that investigations in a matter of 2012 to today are still ongoing?" Wetang'ula posed.

But Wahome said that in a 2021 report in her possession, her predecessor last addressed the matter in 2022, and "maybe there could have been some laxity".

"Hold on madam minister, so that you bring justice to the people of Elgeyo Marakwet, go back to your office and write to the House through the Majority Leader giving a detailed explanation why a matter that started in 2012 is still under investigation is neither concluded nor are there any prosecutions," Wetang'ula fired back.

Chebara Dam grinds to a halt

The Speaker observed that the project had stalled and that people have not been compensated.

"The schools ate not operating to their capacity because of the lack of completion of the projects. Go back, get the facts right, the Majority Leader will bring the matter to the House if you will not be available because we have other ministers coming in between," Wetang'ula directed the CS.

But the CS said she had a multi-agency report that gives the status of the investigation.

"Maybe when the Majority Leader and myself look at it we shall conclude this matter," Wahome added.

However, Wetang'ula told off the CS explaining to her that the Majority Leader was not interested in the status of an investigation.

"He will be more interested in why you are still giving status reports on investigations 11 years later. I am sure you see the point. As a lawyer, justice delayed is justice denied. Majority Leader you will have to carry that skunk back to this House," said Wetang'ula.

Alice Wahome appears before Parliament

TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Wahome failed to present her degree certificate before the vetting panel following her nomination as Water CS.

Wahome appeared before the National Assembly vetting panel on the evening of Monday, October 17, 2022, where she was required to appear with stipulated academic certificates.

However, during the session, Wahome did not have her degree certificate and, instead, had a letter from the University of Nairobi confirming she graduated from the institution.