Mwingi Central MP Sparks Outrage After Threatening Lifewater Canada Over Boreholes

Mwingi Central Member of Parliament Gideon Mulyungi has come under intense public criticism after appearing in a video demanding that international non-governmental organisation Lifewater Canada involve him in its borehole projects or leave the constituency.

The legislator, whose constituency is in drought-prone Kitui County, made the remarks during an evening gathering in a video that has since circulated widely on social media.

Mulyungi accused the organisation of failing to involve both local residents and his office in its development activities, insisting that community projects should be undertaken in consultation with local leadership.

“Lifewater Canada, I want to tell you: this is Mwingi Central in Kitui County, in Kenya. We do not like corruption,” Mulyungi said.

He demanded that the organisation involve the community and the area MP before proceeding with its projects.

“And if you don't do that, you can take your boreholes back to Canada! Take your boreholes back to Canada!” he added.

MP Demands Greater Local Involvement

Mulyungi continued his criticism in Kamba, questioning why the organisation was operating without what he described as adequate engagement with local political leadership and residents.

He also suggested that foreign organisations operating in the constituency should economically involve local residents.

The MP indicated that he intended to send the video clip to representatives of the organisation, reinforcing his demand that Lifewater Canada work with his office.

His remarks have triggered a broader debate over the role of elected leaders in development projects funded and implemented by charitable organisations.

Social Media Backlash

The video attracted significant criticism online, with commentators accusing the MP of placing political interests ahead of the urgent need for clean water in a region frequently affected by drought.

Critics argued that international organisations providing water infrastructure should be welcomed and facilitated, particularly in communities where access to reliable water remains a major challenge.

Some social media users questioned the number of water projects delivered through the MP's own development allocations, arguing that rejecting assistance from charitable organisations could ultimately hurt residents.

Others accused the MP of attempting to claim political credit for donor-funded projects.

One commentator alleged that Mulyungi wanted to use NGO projects for political publicity, while another argued that communities should welcome organisations willing to invest in areas facing persistent water shortages.

These claims are opinions expressed by social media users and have not been independently established.

Debate Over Political Gatekeeping

The controversy has also raised wider questions about the relationship between elected leaders, local communities and development partners.

Critics argue that political leaders should focus on facilitating development rather than making access to basic services dependent on political involvement.

They further warned that confrontational approaches toward charities and development organisations could discourage future investment in communities that depend heavily on external assistance.

Supporters of Mulyungi's position, however, could argue that elected representatives and local communities should be consulted on projects implemented within their constituencies to ensure transparency, accountability and alignment with local needs.

The central issue remains whether such consultation should amount to political approval or simply meaningful engagement with residents and local authorities.

Lifewater Canada Yet to Respond

Lifewater Canada has not issued an official response to Mulyungi's remarks.

The organisation is involved in clean-water and sanitation initiatives in communities facing water challenges, making the dispute particularly sensitive in drought-prone areas such as Kitui.

Mwingi Central residents now find themselves at the centre of a debate that goes beyond political disagreements: whether development assistance should be allowed to proceed independently of political offices, and how local leaders can ensure community interests are represented without obstructing potentially life-saving projects.

As the controversy continues to generate discussion online, attention is likely to turn to Lifewater Canada's response and whether the dispute will affect ongoing or planned water projects in the constituency.