De La Rue saga heard in camera as Mwatela says she fears for her life
Dr Boni Khalwale (right) and Ms Esther Koimett (left), the Investment Secretary, on a tour of De La Rue in Nairobi on March 28. Former CBK deputy governor Jacinta Mwatela Thursday said she could not give her evidence to the parliamentary committee in the open, prompting the session to be heard in camera. File
Former acting Central Bank of Kenya governor Jacinta Mwatela Thursday said that her life would be in danger if she testified in public on De La Rue’s money printing contracts.
Mrs Mwatela, who appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), demanded protection from the government, saying her “God given life” should not be cut short “unprocedurally”.
Committee chairman Boni Khalwale ruled that the session would be held in camera and journalists were asked to leave.
“Because of what Mrs Mwatela has expressed, the committee has decided that evidence will be collected in camera. Her evidence will enrich us to face Treasury permanent secretary Joseph Kinyua and former Finance minister Amos Kimunya when they appear before us,” he said.
“If you get any information through whatever source from this closed-door session, do not attribute it to Mrs Mwatela because that will be a fabrication and against our rules and we will not hesitate to invoke sanctions on you,” Dr Khalwale told journalists.
Mrs Mwatela was called to shed light on the cancellation of two contracts awarded to De La Rue by Mr Kimunya and his predecessor, David Mwiraria, in which the public is believed to have lost over Sh2.7 billion.
Mrs Mwatela was expected to testify on what transpired from May 3, 1993 up to January 1, 2003 when De La Rue’s 10-year contract to print Kenyan currency went smoothly to expiry.
“The contract thereafter ran into problems. Events started happening when attempts were made to renew that contract,” Dr Khalwale said.
Mrs Mwatela was also required to shed light on a number of letters allegedly written by Mr Kimunya asking CBK to cancel the contract awarded to De La Rue.
According to PAC, Mr Kimunya allegedly informed Mrs Mwatela that he had held discussions with De La Rue and that the currency firm would not lodge any demands from the bank arising from the decision.
Thursday’s committee hearing began with Mrs Mwatela expressing fear for her life.
“I lost my job because I sought to know what was really happening at Central Bank. I want assurance that my God given life will be protected when I testify here. It should be God calling me when the time comes and not unprocedurally,” she pleaded with the committee.
“I am uncomfortable to discuss this information in public. I prefer that we hold this session in camera,” said the former CBK boss.
Dr Khalwale sought to assure Ms Mwatela of her security, adding that the Constitution guaranteed security for all Kenyans. “There is the Witness Protection Act and I assure you that your security is secured,” he said.
