Wetang’ula, MPs clash over Sh9.6b Bunge Towers

A storm is brewing over the safety of Bunge Towers whose cost was varied from the initial Sh5.89 billion to Sh9.6 billion ahead of its official opening by President William Ruto tomorrow.

Yesterday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula clashed with some lawmakers, who have not only declined to occupy it but raised questions regarding its safety, workmanship and cost after he threatened to have them investigated by the Powers and Privileges Committee for giving false information on the building.

In a communication to MPs, Wetang’ula, who disclosed that 58 members had moved into the new building, dismissed claims it is not fit for occupation as is being alleged.

Speaker, in particular, said since he took over office as the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) chairperson, no money from the exchequer has gone into the building. President Ruto is scheduled to officially open the building for after 14 years of construction.

 “Those members pouring vitriol about this building may find themselves before the Powers and Privileges Committee for saying things that are not true,” Wetang’ula warned. In the communication, Wetang’ula told the members that since he became Speaker, he has been visiting the building at least weekly to ensure it is ready for occupation.

He explained that contrary to the negative talk about the building, it has six high speed lifts which are working like those in Manhattan in the United States, the offices are ready as furniture has been assembled while the gym is well equipped.

The kitchen and modern dining although they are ready, he said the commission had decided to outsource management services while the library is digital and well-stocked.

Speaker said MPs will be allocated personal packing, adding that to access the chamber from the building, the lawmakers will do so via a new tunnel constructed underground thus protecting them from any form of disturbances such as rain.

“I am here to invite you Members to the official opening of the building on Friday. This is because President Ruto has acceded to grace the opening of the Tower on Friday. The opening of the building will mark a monumental moment for Parliament given that Members have faced challenges of space previously,” he explained.

Pokes holes

His communication came after National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi sought to know how they should react to matters following concerns from MPs, led by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei who poked holes on its status.

 “I have listened to Senator Cherargei talking passionately about this building and requesting for a certain document. Parliament occupies a very unique space. Parliament must be beyond reproach because we have the responsibility of overseeing all over other arms of government. When such negative publicity is made on such a project what do we do to reclaim our rightful space as Parliament,” Wandayi said.

He added:“My dilemma is how do we address these concerns coming from the public on the efficacy of the Bunge Towers.” Cherargei, while addressing a press conference, called for the postponement of the opening of the building on grounds that it is not fit for occupation as PSC was yet to provide a completion certificate, certificate of occupation, certification by Public Health, explain the amount of pending works as well as provide the total pending bills yet to be paid.

In his address, Cherargei claimed the Tower is not habitable as the lifts are not working well as some of the management got stuck in it a while ago, the offices have poor ventilation, lights are not functioning properly while the gym and kitchen are yet to be completed. Nandi Senator also claimed  PSC had failed to provide proof allowing it to vary the cost which had increased from the initial Sh5.89 billion in 2010 when construction started, was later revised to Sh7.1 billion before being pushed to Sh9.6 billion.

Construction works

“Parliamentary Service Commission should be taken task to explain the mystery of billions surrounding the construction of Bunge Towers which has been a moving target and has taken all those years to be completed, It should also be noted that despite the relocations currently taking place, several construction works in some floors is still ongoing or others visibly incomplete,” noted Cherargei.

He said a comparison of Bunge Towers with the Central Bank Pension Towers raises more question owing to the fact that the said building, a 27-storey and an ultra-modern, cost Sh2.49 billion, took not less than three and half years to be completed and was officially opened by  former  President Uhuru Kenyatta in May 2022.

But Wetang’ula told Cheraragei off, insisting that the contractor does not owe him any explanation about the building.