Mwingi Central MP Insists on Involvement in NGO Borehole Projects

Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi has issued a strong warning to the Canadian NGO Life Water Canada, urging the organisation to involve his office and the local community before proceeding with borehole drilling projects in his constituency.

During a recent event, the legislator emphasised the importance of transparency and community participation in development projects. "Life Water Canada, this is Mwingi Central in Kitui County, Kenya. We do not tolerate corruption. You must engage the community and the Member of Parliament, who is me, Gideon Mulyungi," he stated.

Mulyungi further cautioned that failure to collaborate with his office would result in the NGO being asked to withdraw its boreholes. "If you don't involve us, you can take your boreholes back to Canada. We do not want them here," he added.

Life Water Canada's Approach in Kenya

Life Water Canada is a charitable organisation focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects in multiple countries, including Kenya. Their model involves:

• Training and equipping local teams in well drilling, rehabilitation, repairs, latrine construction, and hygiene education.
• Collaborating closely with community members to foster ownership and sustainability.
• Securing donor funding to keep projects affordable for local populations.

Public Reaction

The MP's remarks have elicited diverse responses from Kenyans, with some questioning why political interests are prioritized over urgent water needs. Critics argue that the focus should be on expanding access to clean water rather than on political gatekeeping.

Several social media users expressed frustration, noting the importance of supporting NGOs working to alleviate water scarcity rather than opposing their efforts.