Engineers body condemns unfair targeting of CEOs, warns against political interference

On Tuesday, in a strongly worded statement, IEK President Eng. Shammah Kiteme stated that the recurring arrest of the CEOs neglects “human dignity, due process and fairness”.

According to IEK, Eng. Samuel Oruma was unexpectedly removed from his position as the CEO of Central Rift Valley Water Agency.

The institution said he was sent on compulsory leave, and despite being cleared by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) his reputation was tarnished, leading to forced resignation. 

The society cautioned that such actions send a chilling message to Kenya’s professional community, undermining confidence in leadership positions and driving skilled talents away from the key institution. It also noted that the trend could hinder the country’s development in infrastructure, industrialisation and innovation. 

Eng. Kiteme said that the engineers are bound by strict professional codes that emphasise accountability, precision and integrity. The body added that the engineers’ work is evidence-based, with verified and traceable records that are audit-factual. 

“It is not uncommon for engineers to find themselves at odds with individuals or systems that attempt to compromise these standards for political or personal gain,” stated Eng. Kiteme.

He further stated that punishing professionals for adhering to ethical principles undermines good governance and institution integrity; such actions disrupt national productivity, delays key projects and weaken the country’s ability to tackle challenges in climate adaptation, urban planning and technological advancement.

“This statement is not a blanket cheque for our members to engage in questionable dealings and conduct that demonstrates lack of integrity for which IEK will be the first to call for accountability and those responsible to take up their crosses in failing to adhere to professionalism and acceptable code of conduct for Engineers as they are supposed to conduct themselves,” he posed.

IEK urged investigative agencies against political interference to target innocent and hardworking engineers. It demanded five actions: transparent investigations, reinstatement of cleared engineers, policy reforms, end to night or outside working hours arrests and stakeholders’ engagement.

“Engineers are the backbone of Kenya’s socio-economic development. They design, innovate and manage systems that keep the nation functioning and advancing. Undermining their leadership weakens institutions, delays progress and compromises the trust and stability upon which Kenya’s growth depends,” said the president of IEK.