Nairobi — The Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency Board has placed its Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Oruma, on compulsory leave due to alleged irregularities involving Sh1.7 billion.

The decision follows a directive from the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, to suspend him pending investigations into procurement irregularities.

In a video clip seen by Capital News, Oruma confirmed that he signed the letter of compulsory leave, although he expressed dissatisfaction with what he considered unfair targeting.

"Why are they chasing me?" He could be heard saying, "I require government protection."

Oruma denied any allegations or implications of wrongdoing, asserting that there was no scandal whatsoever.

He defended his exemplary track record during his more than 30-year career in public service.

He attributed his woes to an unnamed official who he believed was targeting him for undisclosed reasons.

"During my first year in office, we were the best performers among all the other parastatals in the country.

Oruma reportedly faces allegations of changing the construction materials for the water and sanitation system in Bomet-Longisa-Mullot towns, switching from steel pipes to Glass Reinforced Pipes (GRP).