The Kenya Defence Forces through their public communications officer Bogita Ongeri has responded to the allegations of involvement in the Ksh40 billion fake arms scandal that has ropped-in one of the highest offices in the land.
“The Ministry of Defence is very concerned that a section of the media are creating a narrative that is scandalous and libelous in spite of what is clearly a fraudulent and criminal act. The Ministry of Defence intends to seek redress for this matter”, the statement said in part.
Former Sports CS Rashid Echesa was arrested last Thursday inside the office of the Deputy President William Ruto and taken to DCI headquarters for questioning.
The former CS was arrested following a complaint by two gun dealers who claimed he swindled Sh11.5 million from them that they had paid as ‘consultancy fees
He was today arraigned in court and released on a cash bail of Ksh1 million.
The military’s response below.
FAKE MILITARY PROCUREMENT – RIGHT OF REPLY
Reference is made to the ongoing investigations and media reports mentioning the Ministry of Defence in relation to a fake arms procurement scam.
In line with the foregoing, today, investigators and complainants in the matter visited
House) the Ministry of Defence Headquarters to ascertain the officers and offices they allegedly accessed.
During the visit it was established that the complainants have NEVER interacted with any official mandated to represent the Ministry of Defence. The visit further revealed that the complainants have NI. VIC been to (Ulinzi House) the Ministry of Defence Headquarters as has been alleged.
For avoidance of doubt all the documents and content displayed in the media pertaining this matter never originated from the Ministry of Defence.
In this regard, the Ministry distances itself from the alleged involvement in the fake arms procurement scam.
The Ministry of Defence wishes to reiterate that we have an elaborate procurement process and structures that ensure transparency and accountability of any procurement process as guided by the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Act (2016).
The Ministry of Defence is very concerned that a section of the media are creating a narrative that is scandalous and libelous in spite of what is clearly a fraudulent and criminal act. The Ministry of Defence intends to seek redress for this matter.
Signed
Bogita Ongeri, OGW
Director, Public Communications.
