President Uhuru Kenyatta’s latest response on Pandora papers reveals that he may not go down alone after the expose which shook the country.
According to the head of state, Pandora papers and subsequent audits will provide a chance to bring to light the dark secrets, especially by those Kenyans who cannot explain their sources of wealth.
Besides, president Uhuru Kenyatta who is out of the country said that he would give a full and a comprehensive report of the pandora papers once he jets back into the country.
This was part of the statement issued by the head of state:
“My attention has been drawn to comments surrounding the Pandora Papers. Whilst I will respond comprehensively on my return from my State Visit to the Americas, let me say this:
“That these reports will go a long way in enhancing the financial transparency and openness that we require in Kenya and around the globe. The movement of illicit funds, proceeds of crime and corruption thrive in an environment of secrecy and darkness.
“The Pandora Papers and subsequent follow up audits will lift that veil of secrecy and darkness for those who can not explain their assets or wealth. Thank you.”, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Secret assets owned by President Uhuru Kenyatta and members of his family were on Monday uncovered by an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
ICIJ in its dossier dubbed ‘The Pandora Papers‘ shows how corrupt world leader stole public resources and stashed billions of shillings in offshore accounts.
The investigation revealed assets of 35 current or former world leaders, including the king of Jordan, the prime minister of the Czech Republic, and President Uhuru’s fellow African leaders Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon and Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo.
The 12 million file Pandora Papers – is the biggest such leak in history – shows Uhuru and six members of his family secretly own a network of 13 offshore companies.
The Kenyattas’ offshore investments includes a company with stocks and bonds worth $30 million or Ksh3.3 billion.
The secret investments were discovered among hundreds of thousands of pages of administrative paperwork from the archives of 14 law firms and service providers in Panama and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and other tax havens.
Documents show that a foundation called Varies was set up in 2003 in Central America nation of Panama, naming President Uhuru’s mother, Mama Ngina, 88, as the first benefactor – and Uhuru himself as the second benefactor, who would inherit it after her death.
Uhuru’s other family members, including his brother and two sisters, owned five offshore companies with assets worth more than $30 million, ICIJ investigation reveals.
The Pandora Papers show that President Uhuru’s brother Muhoho Kenyatta owned three offshore companies registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), according to records: One had a bank account that held an investment portfolio worth $31.6 million in 2016; another had unspecified investments at a bank in London.
From 1999 to 2004, Mama Ngina Kenyatta and her two daughters Kristina and Anna, held shares in a BVI company, Milrun International Ltd. Uhuru’s sisters used the company to buy a London apartment in the upscale Westminster neighborhood, according to records.
Similar apartments in the modern brick building now sell for more than $1 million. The apartment was rented until July by British Labour MP Emma Ann Hardy.
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