Kwale Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani has claimed that her life was in danger following an MP’s allegations that she had stolen sh2 billion meant for the proposed multibillion Mwache multipurpose dam.
She now wants Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari investigated following the claims which she said were likely to incite members of the public against her.
“My security is at risk following the unfounded claims because my work involves interacting with many people most of the time,” said Ms. Achani after recording a statement over the matter at the Kinango police station on Tuesday.
She asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers to summon Mr. Tayari for questioning so that the truth can come out.
The Deputy Governor condemned the allegations terming them as false and baseless.
He said funds for the Sh34billion World Bank funded project which is under the scope of the national government were yet to be released.
“How can I steal money that has not yet been disbursed? This is cheap propaganda meant to tarnish my name,” she said.
Achani added that the allegations were part of a scheme to scuttle her plan to vie for gubernatorial in the 2022 elections.
She added that if the legislator was serious he should have reported the matter to the relevant authorities for action instead of pontificating.
Mr. Tayari made the allegations at Mwashanga area where he accused Ms. Achani of diverting the dam money to unnamed projects in Msambweni and Matuga Sub-counties at the expense of his constituencies who suffer most from acute water shortage.
“I will never support Achani come the 2022 elections for she is a disgrace. She has taken away money meant for the dam and transferred it to other sub-counties,” he alleged.
Ms. Achani said she will make sure appropriate action is taken against those conducting provocative campaigns.
The project has been in the eye of a storm due to various competing interests among local residents and leaders.
Last year, Members of the County Assembly passed a motion to compel the government to suspend plans to execute the project claiming they were neither consulted, nor was their approval sought.
By Constance Mwandembo and James Muchai
