Khalwale Targets Ruto’s Former PA Over Alleged SGR Land Scandal
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has sparked controversy by demanding the resignation of Nixon Korir, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Lands, over alleged involvement in a land compensation scandal tied to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project.
While addressing the Senate on Thursday, April 17, Senator Khalwale claimed that PS Korir has already been taken to court by renowned Kenyan legal scholar and advocate, Professor P.L.O. Lumumba.
The lawsuit reportedly accuses Korir of mismanaging funds that were meant to compensate families whose land was taken during the SGR project.
Khalwale strongly argued that the only way a fair and independent investigation could proceed is if Korir steps aside from his role in government.
He pointed out that the PS currently holds key information and documents that could be needed as evidence in the court case, which could make investigations difficult if he remains in office.
“It has come to public attention today that Professor Lumumba has filed a lawsuit against Principal Secretary Nixon Korir for allegedly misappropriating compensation money meant for 184 families who gave up their land for the SGR project,” said Khalwale.
He continued, “As Parliament, we must stop sleeping on the job. We can’t allow a private citizen like Lumumba to fight this battle alone.
Parliament should have already acted and sent Nixon Korir home so that investigations can be done properly.
How can the same person being investigated control the evidence? That’s why Korir should resign and wait for the investigations to be completed.”
However, Khalwale’s bold statement drew criticism from Migori Senator Eddy Oketch. During the same Senate session, Oketch pointed out that such serious allegations should be presented through a formal process.
He suggested that Khalwale, being the Senate Majority Whip, should submit a proper motion to initiate debate and potential action.
“What the Honorable Whip has said is that there is a Principal Secretary accused of embezzling public funds, and that he must step down. I respect his position, but since this is a very serious claim, he should now bring a substantive motion to this House,” Senator Oketch said.
He added, “If we are to treat these matters with the weight they deserve—especially where public money and accountability are concerned—the proper parliamentary procedures must be followed.”
This demand for accountability from public officers follows a similar call made earlier this month. On Wednesday, April 2, nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba demanded the resignation of Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, accusing him of allowing job recruitment scams to thrive under his watch.
During her address to the Senate, Senator Orwoba labelled Mutua as incompetent and claimed that he has failed to protect Kenyan job seekers, especially those pursuing work opportunities in foreign countries.
“I am calling on the President to dismiss the Labour CS because he is fully aware of the job scams going on, and he has failed to take action,” Orwoba said.
“This man is not fit for the position. His priorities clearly don’t align with the needs of the people. He is not serving Kenyans, and for that reason, he should be sent home,” she added.
Both cases have increased pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration to deal with integrity and corruption issues among top government officials, as public frustration continues to grow over alleged misuse of public resources.
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