Even as investigations over the alleged loss of Sh21 billion meant for construction of two dams at Elgeyo-Marakwet County continue, Deputy President William Ruto has denied media reports that indeed the money was lost.
On Monday, DCI George Kinoti claimed Sh4 billion was wired to Milan, then a bank in London before being re-routed to Nairobi, adding that the country might have lost Sh21 billion with nothing to show for it at the ground.
But in a quick rejoinder on Thursday during the presentation of an official report on State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice at Supreme Court, Ruto insisted that the money is intact.
"You are hearing that government has lost about Sh21 billion in Kimwarer and Arror Dam, which is a flat lie! The money in question is about Sh7 billion, and for every coin that has been paid, we have a bank guarantee. No money will be lost! - DP William Ruto," he said.
According to Kinoti, 107 company directors have been summoned for interrogation after preliminary investigations revealed that they received money for supplying of materials unrelated to the construction of the dams.
At the event, President Uhuru Kenyatta reiterated that his fight against graft is still on, saying that graft has impaired the economy of the country.
"Corruption is continuing its vicious attack on our people and our nation and the Judiciary is not immune to its illicit lures and intimidation. There are known culprits who exploit the court process and its judgement," Uhuru said.
The scandal comes amid Uhuru's stern warning to public officials over graft but he's yet to have any high ranking official dismissed.