SUSPENDED Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau has spoken out publicly, saying he is not a thief. Kamau said he has never misappropriated public funds or abused any public office since he entered the job market, adding that he was never born a thief.
He was speaking during his mother Immaculate Maria Wanjiku’s funeral in Mwichuiri village, Kieni, Nyeri county, yesterday. Kamau stated that he knows the real reason why he was suspended.
“I know the reason why am being crucified. Some powerful individuals, including well-connected businesspeople, had vowed that I will leave the Cabinet Secretary office. They had even visited me in my office and issued threats,” said Kamau.
“I am clear in my heart. God knows the truth of the allegations facing me. I want to state that am not a thief and my mother, who is lying here today as we give her a final sendoff, did not bear a thief. And am not saying this seeking sympathy, but the truth will have its way,” he added.
He urged his Cabinet colleagues who have been suspended “to be strong.” He spoke in a vote of thanks to mourners for supporting the family since his mother’s death. He stated that the corruption claims leveled against him concerned actions committed during the Mwai Kibaki era, when he served as PS not minister.
He claimed that the abuse of office allegations have been cooked up because of the Standard Gauge Railway construction tender. “We are aware there are people behind bars because of false witnesses and it is the same case here,” he said. He continued, “I want to send Chief of Staff Joseph Kinyua to the President. Tell President Uhuru that I did not embarrass Moi’s or Kibaki’s governments in service delivery.
I will equally not embarrass the Jubilee government,” said Kamau. Speaking separately on the sidelines of the funeral service, Starehe MP Maina Kamanda stated that Kamau is being hounded by powerful individuals opposed to the Jubilee government’s development projects.
He claimed members of the Roads and Transport Parliamentary Committee were also threatened over the SGR tender, which was later issued to a Chinese construction company.
The funeral service was also attended by Chief of Staff Kinyua, who read President Kenyatta’s condolence message, Cabinet Secretaries Jacob Kaimenyi, Davis Chirchir and Felix Kosgei.
MPs Naomi Shaban (Taita), Stephen Ngari (Ndia), Dennis Waweru (Dagoretti South), Peter Weru (Mathira) and Joseph Kiuna (Molo) were also present.
-the-star.co.ke
