Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi apologises to Life Water Canada following controversy

Addressing reporters, MP Mulyungi categorically retracted his earlier accusations and expressed regret for any harm done, also stressing that he had concluded that Life Water Canada was a credible, corruption-free organisation. 

"Today I want to categorically apologise to Life Water Canada for the heartbreaking remarks I made about the NGO and the damage I may have caused to the organization. I want to confirm that Life Water Canada and Life Water Rescue are very credible organizations  - transparent, accountable, honest, and very friendly people - and they are not engaged in any corrupt deals in Mwingi Central or any other part of Kenya," the MP said. 

Mulyungi added that following an online meeting with the leadership of Life Water Canada and Life Water Rescue, both parties reconciled their differences and established a clear path forward. 

"We agreed on a modus operandi moving forward to cement further the working relationship and friendship we have created over the years. So far, Life Water Canada has drilled over 100 boreholes, covering close to 50% of the schools in my constituency, built several boreholes in communities and villages, and also constructed ablution blocks and toilets in many schools in my constituency," he said. 

The legislator also reassured his constituents that the NGO would continue its operations uninterrupted in close partnership with the community and his office.

The apology comes days after a video went viral showing Mulyungi warning Life Water Canada against drilling boreholes in his constituency without consulting his political office. 

In the footage, the MP declared: "Lifewater Canada, I want to tell you: this is Mwingi Central in Kitui County, in Kenya. We do not like corruption. Lifewater Canada, we don't want corruption. You must involve the community, and you must involve the area Member of Parliament who is Gideon Mulyungi... And if you don't do that, you can take your boreholes back to Canada! Take your boreholes back to Canada!"

Mulyungi's threats sparked widespread backlash online and among local residents, who criticized the politician for gatekeeping and risking vital water supply projects in a drought-prone region. 

Following public outrage, Mulyungi clarified that his concern stemmed from operational changes where the organization was dealing directly with local communities without engaging area leadership. 

He subsequently initiated talks with the foreign NGO to resolve the impasse, leading to his formal apology.