MP says Raila factually wrong on Muranga water project

Gatundu North Member of Parliament, Kigo Njenga, has bashed the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader, Raila Odinga, over his remarks regarding the Northern Collector Tunnel water project, currently under construction in Murang’a County.

The MP challenged the former Prime Minister to come out clear on the facts about the project, adding that the project was conceived during his tenure as a co-principal in former President Mwai Kibaki’s regime.

Speaking in Gituamba, Gatundu on Wednesday, October 12, Njenga said that the water project is a flagship project of Vision 2030 that is undertaken with great consideration of the host community as well as the entire nation.

The legislator played down claims by Odinga that the tunnel will affect water supply in downstream drier areas of Tana River and Eastern regions.

Njenga condemned Odinga of playing politics with the project.

The MP clarified that adequate awareness and consultations were carried out before the project was sanctioned.

Njenga urged the opposition leader to desist from deceitful means of convincing electorates to vote him.

The water project meant to offset water supply deficit in Nairobi City has raised controversies over its implementation and effects on environment.

Raila Odinga had earlier claimed that the project was undertaken without following the due process and without approval from the relevant environmental authorities.

However, Murang’a leadership led by governor Mwangi Wa Iria were swift to respond to Odinga, telling him to keep off the project since they were consulted before it took off.

A section of Murang’a County leaders, mainly the Members of County Assembly, are opposed to the project fearing its impact on water supply in the area.

The opposers of the project have also raised concerns over unmet promises to the host community as a reward to giving their water.