Kenya’s DPP Orders Arrest of Treasury Cabinet Secretary

Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has ordered the arrest of Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich in relation to the Arror and Kimwarer dams scandal.

The DPP has been investigating allegations of fraud and corruption relating to the multi-billion shilling project in which Sh20.5 billion of government funds were released but little progress recorded. 

The project saw Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) contract bankrupt Italian firm CMC Di Ravenna to build the dams.

Rotich is one of more than 20 accused in the matter. The Cabinet Secretary is accused of flouting procurement procedures but has denied any wrongdoing. He has, however, surrendered himself to the police along with his principal secretary and the chief executive of the environmental agency. 

The arrest is the first of an incumbent minister in Kenya. Addressing media on the allegations Haji stated, "I am satisfied that economic crimes were committed and I have therefore approved their arrests and prosecutions."