A Managing Director of a Murang’a based water company has been interrogated by detectives over claims of forging a signature.
The Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (MUWASCO), Engineer Daniel Ng’ang’a was on Wednesday summoned by detectives over allegations of forging the signature of County Executive Member of Water, Paul Macharia.
Macharia has lodged a complaint with criminal investigation office claiming that the managing director forged his signature in a letter he sent to Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) seeking renewal of the company’s license.
Macharia claimed that he did not sign and forward the letter done by Ng’ang’a dated November 1 addressed to chief executive officer for WASREB.
Ng’ang’a spent more than two hours at Murang’a police station being interrogated about the raised claims by the CEC.
Macharia disclosed that Ng’ang’a forged his signature and his official stamp to indicate that the company had obtained a nod to get approval from the regulator.
He added that the regulator notified him leading him to write a protest letter and report the matter at Murang’a police station. “I wrote to the regulator to stop the process after I got a brief that the water company presented a forged document,” said the CEC.
The Murang’a County Investigation Officer, Julius Rutere said police were investigating the matter after a report was made. “Investigations are at advanced stage, with police collecting vital information pertaining to the claims,” Rutere added.
“By Monday, police will have concluded the matter and culprits taken to court,” said Rutere.
In a rejoinder, Ng’ang’a dismissed claims that he forged anyone’s signature, saying he did the letter and sent it to Macharia to forward to WASREB.
He said the company has been operating under knowledge of the county government and wondered why one should blame him for forging a signature.
He said prior to writing of the letter, he had a lengthy meeting with Macharia on October 23, for purpose of renewal of license to conform to WASREB’s regulations.
“I was summoned at the police station to shed light on the matter after the CEC claimed I had forged his signature. The investigation agencies should deal with the matter promptly and bring the culprits to book,” said the MD.
He said after the application was made, the regulator asked for payment of Sh.100, 000 to facilitate renewal of the application.
Ng’ang’a, who is also the chairman to Water Service Providers Association (WAPA) added that at MUWASCO three officials from the county government were members of the board representing interests of the Governor.
He said water companies in Murang’a were public entities as they have obtained loans totaling Sh.1.9 billion which cannot happen without knowledge of the county government.
“The companies are agents of Tana and Athi Water Services Boards. The county government should fast track transfer of assets from the two as way to end the quarrels,” said Ng’ang’a.
In the past four months, management of four water companies has been at loggerheads with the county government resisting being placed under its control.
The county has five water companies namely, Murang’a South Water and Sanitation, Gatanga Community Water, Kahuti, Muwasco and Gatamathi.
By Bernard Munyao
