Assets acquired through corrupt means to be seized

President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing Parliament on March 31, 2016. PHOTO | PSCU 

By EDWIN MUTAI, emutai@ke.nationmedia.com

In Summary

• A fund has been created where the proceeds of the seized assets will be deposited for use in funding projects that uplift the vulnerable in society.

President Uhuru Kenyatta Thursday evening tabled a list showing frozen assets worth Sh1.6 billion that were acquired using corrupt means, building on last years’ tabling of the list of shame that saw several Cabinet ministers and top ranking officials charged in court.

Mr Kenyatta announced that the government is preparing to seize assets worth Sh1.6 billion acquired using proceeds of crime and that a fund has been created where the proceeds of the seized assets will be deposited for use in funding projects that uplift the vulnerable in society.

He said the seizure of the multi-billion shillings properties was a strong indication that hiding proceeds of graft will now be more difficult.

“We will seek to prosecute the corrupt even when they seek refuge outside Kenya,” the President declared.

Mr Kenyatta told Parliament that the quick action by the Assets Recovery Authority to seize properties linked to the National Youth Service (NYS) scandal had saved taxpayers Sh400 million out of the Sh791 that was stolen.

Mr Kenyatta tabled the list of assets seized and another showing cases in court.

“I will be tabling a report showing cases of corruption that are ongoing in court. I will be tabling another report showing frozen assets acquired using corrupt means,” President Kenyatta said during his third State of the Nation Address to a joint sitting of Parliament.

Mr Kenyatta on March 26, 2015 tabled a list of 175 top government officials linked to corruption and directed those involved to step aside to pave way for investigations.

The President went ahead and declared that he had personally drawn the line on pervasive corruption and challenged Parliament and the Judiciary to do the same.

“Our nation has been involved in protracted war against corruption. I took a very painful but necessary decision of dismissing a third of my cabinet. Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, governors and several State corporation heads have been charged in court with offences related to corruption. My message is clear; there will be and shall be no sacred cows,” Mr Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta, however, did not receive the standing ovation he attracted from MPs last year when he took the unprecedented step of tabling a list of the corrupt in government.

The President was interrupted for over 20 minutes by members of the opposition Cord coalition who blew whistles seconds after he took to the microphones to address the lawmakers. Several MPs were thrown out as a result.

Mr Kenyatta, who has been under pressure to slay the dragon of corruption that has permeated almost every sphere of his government, said more than 300 cases are pending in court.

READ: NYS theft case widens with freeze of additional assets

Five Cabinet secretaries-Charity Ngilu (Land), Felix Koskei (Agriculture), Davis Chirchir (Energy), Kazungu Kambi (Labour) and Michael Kamau (transport)- were forced to step aside. The ministers were later sacked with some facing prosecution over corruption.

Devolution and Planning secretary Anne Waiguru was forced to resign in late November following sustained public pressure that mounted on the government over the theft of Sh791 million belonging to the National Youth Service.

President Kenyatta challenged the Judiciary to act tough and fast on corruption cases, saying Kenyans need to get results of the prosecutions.

He said despite Chief Justice Willy Mutunga establishing a special division to try corruption and economic crimes, cases are still dragging in court.

“They (Judiciary) have cases before them, they should conclude them and tell Kenyans the verdict. I am encouraged by the support Kenyans have given me in fight against graft. The war on corruption must be fought and eventually be won,” Mr Kenyatta said.

None of the 175 cases linking several high flying government officials has been concluded, a year after the President tabled the list in Parliament. Nobody has been convicted over corruption.

The President reiterated his government’s commitment to grow the economy, strengthen devolution, improve security and unite Kenyans.

He said Sh1 trillion had been sent to the 47 counties over the last three years and challenged Kenyans to demand accountability saying the money has only gone towards purchase of state of the art vehicles and palatial homes instead of benefiting the poor.