Ruto said that Parliament will have the final say on the way forward on the settling of bills for the dubious projects hatched in the last regime/FILE
Ruto said that Parliament will have the final say on the way forward on the settling of bills for the dubious projects hatched in the last regime.
The Deputy President dismissed claims that the government planned to pay a whooping Sh125 billion to the firms linked to Anglo-Leasing projects.
“We have not paid any single cent and we are not intending to part with any single coin in payment for dubious projects whose origin we don’t know about. We know there is a court ruling that the government pays Sh1.4 billion but we have said Parliament will have the final say on the matter,” said Ruto.
The Deputy President was speaking Saturday at various centres in Gatundu North Constituency; Kiambu County where he commissioned development Projects at Mwea Secondary School, Mangu Youth Polytechnic, Igenania and Kanyoni dispensaries and later addressed a public rally at Kamwangi sports ground.
Ruto said the court has ruled that the government pays Sh1.4 billion for several security related projects financed under the Anglo leasing project. But he said even so, Parliament will have the final say on the payments.
“As a government we believe that the only accountable and transparent way to resolve this matter is through Parliament who is representatives of the Kenyan tax payers,” the Deputy President said.
He said the Government is committed to ensure transparency in the management of public affairs hence the decision to involve Parliament in handling the Anglo Leasing case.
The Deputy President accused the opposition of creating unnecessary anxiety over the impending payment for the Anglo Leasing projects saying some of its leaders were in government when the controversial scheme was hatched.
“We are trying to sort the mess they created and they should give us a break,” said Ruto.
He said eliminating corruption and wastage in government remained a priority for the government.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to serve all Kenyans without bias. We should rise above partisan politics and serve the people with all diligence,” the Deputy President said.
The DP was reacting to a recommendation by the office of the Attorney General that advised for the payment of some of the Anglo Leasing contracts following numerous court decisions.
In a letter dated April 3 addressed to Principle Secretary, the National Treasury Dr Kamua Thugge, Solicitor General Muthoni Kimani for Attorney General advised the government to pay the negotiated amount.
She explained that the amount will continue increasing due to the interest rate of $1,665 per day.
“Our legal advice is that the Republic should accept the negotiated amount which is reasonable and favourable to the Republic as it will result in a discount and save the government from further losses by signing the settlement agreement as drafted,” Muthoni advised.
Ruto said the Government will not condone corruption at National and County government funds and asked those in charge to ensure every coin is spent wisely.
He said the Government is ready to work with all elected leaders irrespective of their parties to ensure development is achieved in the country.
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