Economy

Anti-graft boss Philip Kinisu dismisses corruption allegations

Anti-corruption boss Philip Kinisu has said he will not resign over criminal investigations against him.

Companies associated with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission chairman are being investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Assets Recovery Agency and Kenya Revenue Authority, over dealings with the National Youth Service.

“My resigning will be setting a terrible precedent because any person can fabricate any claim against a public official. Like they can say am a poacher or a diamond smuggler. I cannot act on information which I know to be false,” he said.

Mr Kinisu, speaking in Nairobi said the claims against him are orchestrated by individuals being investigated for corruption by the commission.

He added: “The challenges are manifestations of corruption fighting back. The fight back is vicious and has demonstrated the danger that I and my fellow commissioners and to an extent our staff face.”

Investigated for money laundering

Esaki Limited, which Mr Kinisu said is owned by his family, was paid a total of Sh35,417,209 for the supply of various items to NYS between October 2014 and November 2015.

He is also the chairman of the African Population and Health Research Centre, a Non-Governmental Organisation, whose operations have been queried by the NGO Coordination Board.

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NCB executive director Fazul Mohamed wrote to spy Chief Philip Kameru asking that the non-profit organization be investigated for money laundering, diversion of donor aid and regulatory mischief.

Over the last three years the NGO received in excess of Sh5 billion.

“The allegations against the company and I are unsubstantiated. We have been tried and convicted in the court of public opinion by the deliberate manner in which the matters have been framed and orchestrated,” Mr Kinisu said.

He added: “Corruption is complex and powerful. My experience through this events has shown that even those who should be on the good side are easily swayed to become angels of the devil.”