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On 28 Feb 2006, the US Embassy in Nairobi sought authorization for the suspension of entry into the US of Chris Murungaru, Alfred Getonga, Anura Perera, Deepak Kamani, and Joseph "Jimmy" Wanjigi.
Things had gotten out of hand in the republic.
---A bit of a long thread---
On 28 Feb 2006, the US Embassy in Nairobi sought authorization for the suspension of entry into the US of Chris Murungaru, Alfred Getonga, Anura Perera, Deepak Kamani, and Joseph "Jimmy" Wanjigi.
Things had gotten out of hand in the republic.
---A bit of a long thread---
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The embassy described the men as central figures in a network of corrupt govt officials and private sector dealmakers that had systematically stolen as much as $700mn… by exploiting a secretive system of govt procurement contracts
This was Anglo-Leasing (AL).
The embassy described the men as central figures in a network of corrupt govt officials and private sector dealmakers that had systematically stolen as much as $700mn… by exploiting a secretive system of govt procurement contracts
This was Anglo-Leasing (AL).
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AL brought together a veritable cast of villains: govt ministers, shadowy wheeler-dealers, a PA to the president, Swiss Bankers and even an American ex-con.
Anglo-Leasing was the turning point at which corruption truly became institutionalised.
AL brought together a veritable cast of villains: govt ministers, shadowy wheeler-dealers, a PA to the president, Swiss Bankers and even an American ex-con.
Anglo-Leasing was the turning point at which corruption truly became institutionalised.
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The masterminds of the scheme, the Kamanis, already had a long and illustrious career “working with government”
Before AL, the Kamanis had achieved notoriety with the supply of ‘disposable’ Mahindra Jeeps to the Kenyan Police. https://twitter.com/surambaya/status/1256456651290394625
The masterminds of the scheme, the Kamanis, already had a long and illustrious career “working with government”
Before AL, the Kamanis had achieved notoriety with the supply of ‘disposable’ Mahindra Jeeps to the Kenyan Police. https://twitter.com/surambaya/status/1256456651290394625
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On Jimi Wanjigi, The Sunday Nation had this to say back in 2017:
“He is by far the most feared man in Kenya: the US embassy barred him from the US because, in part, it believed he had threatened to kill whistleblower John Githongo.” https://www.nation.co.ke/news/State-capture--Kenya-s-most-feared-oligarch/1056-3987356-dek8hy/index.html
On Jimi Wanjigi, The Sunday Nation had this to say back in 2017:
“He is by far the most feared man in Kenya: the US embassy barred him from the US because, in part, it believed he had threatened to kill whistleblower John Githongo.” https://www.nation.co.ke/news/State-capture--Kenya-s-most-feared-oligarch/1056-3987356-dek8hy/index.html
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AL involved 18 contracts (12 under Moi and 6 under Kibaki), that dealt with govt procurement in the security sector in the form of lease finance and suppliers’ credit agreements.
https://star.worldbank.org/corruption-cases/sites/corruption-cases/files/documents/arw/Moi_Special_Audit_Security_Projects_Mar_2006.pdf
AL involved 18 contracts (12 under Moi and 6 under Kibaki), that dealt with govt procurement in the security sector in the form of lease finance and suppliers’ credit agreements.
https://star.worldbank.org/corruption-cases/sites/corruption-cases/files/documents/arw/Moi_Special_Audit_Security_Projects_Mar_2006.pdf
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The schemers generated proposals for large procurement contracts, that fell outside the normal systems of scrutiny and oversight in govt.
The proposals frequently requested for goods not needed or desired by the ministries targeted.
--US Embassy
https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/06NAIROBI944_a.html
The schemers generated proposals for large procurement contracts, that fell outside the normal systems of scrutiny and oversight in govt.
The proposals frequently requested for goods not needed or desired by the ministries targeted.
--US Embassy
https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/06NAIROBI944_a.html
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Example 1
In 2000, the Dept of Immigration did a ‘computer needs assessment’ which found that to eliminate fraud, forgery, inefficiencies and revenue loss it would need to procure a passport issuing system. The project was put on hold due to lack of funding.
Example 1
In 2000, the Dept of Immigration did a ‘computer needs assessment’ which found that to eliminate fraud, forgery, inefficiencies and revenue loss it would need to procure a passport issuing system. The project was put on hold due to lack of funding.
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On 1 August 2003, a firm named Anglo Leasing and Finance Ltd sent an unsolicited technical proposal to the PS in the Vice-President’s Office to supply and install an “Immigration Security and Document Control System, (ISDCS)”
https://africog.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/STATE-CAPTURE.pdf
On 1 August 2003, a firm named Anglo Leasing and Finance Ltd sent an unsolicited technical proposal to the PS in the Vice-President’s Office to supply and install an “Immigration Security and Document Control System, (ISDCS)”
https://africog.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/STATE-CAPTURE.pdf
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The installation would be done by a sub-contractor of Anglo Leasing, Francois-Charles Obethur Fiduciare. Anglo Leasing would offer a facility of EUR 31.89mn (Sh2.67bn) to be repaid at an interest of 5% over a 62-month period.
The installation would be done by a sub-contractor of Anglo Leasing, Francois-Charles Obethur Fiduciare. Anglo Leasing would offer a facility of EUR 31.89mn (Sh2.67bn) to be repaid at an interest of 5% over a 62-month period.
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Obethur Fiduciare later became Obethur Technologies (OT), which merged with Morpho to form OT-Moprho in May 2017 and rebranded to IDEMIA in September 2017.
Kenyans are well acquainted with the firm’s work in 2017.
https://www.idemia.com/press-release/ot-morpho-becomes-idemia-global-leader-trusted-identities-2017-09-28
Obethur Fiduciare later became Obethur Technologies (OT), which merged with Morpho to form OT-Moprho in May 2017 and rebranded to IDEMIA in September 2017.
Kenyans are well acquainted with the firm’s work in 2017.
https://www.idemia.com/press-release/ot-morpho-becomes-idemia-global-leader-trusted-identities-2017-09-28
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On 5 Sep 2003 the VP’s office asked the Treasury to contract Anglo Leasing and sought legal clearance from the AG’s Chambers, which advised due diligence be done. With this still outstanding, the govt signed an agreement on 4 Dec 2003 and paid Sh91mn on 4 Feb 2004.
On 5 Sep 2003 the VP’s office asked the Treasury to contract Anglo Leasing and sought legal clearance from the AG’s Chambers, which advised due diligence be done. With this still outstanding, the govt signed an agreement on 4 Dec 2003 and paid Sh91mn on 4 Feb 2004.
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Example 2
In early 2002, Michael Alan, “Africa sales manager” for US-based Spacenet, presented Postmaster Gen. Francis Chahonyo with a proposal to install a satellite system linking all post offices. Chahonyo took it to the Min for Transport and Telecoms, Musalia Mudavadi.
Example 2
In early 2002, Michael Alan, “Africa sales manager” for US-based Spacenet, presented Postmaster Gen. Francis Chahonyo with a proposal to install a satellite system linking all post offices. Chahonyo took it to the Min for Transport and Telecoms, Musalia Mudavadi.
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Sammy Kyungu, then Mudavadi’s Permanent Secretary, asked Spacenet to submit draft contract documents for the project to him together with the draft financing agreement. These were submitted to AG Amos Wako on June 6, 2002 for legal opinion.
[Kyungu 2nd from right]
![14/Sammy Kyungu, then Mudavadi’s Permanent Secretary, asked Spacenet to submit draft contract documents for the project to him together with the draft financing agreement. These were submitted to AG Amos Wako on June 6, 2002 for legal opinion.[Kyungu 2nd from right]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcX4pbvUcAE7wOi.jpg "14/Sammy Kyungu, then Mudavadi’s Permanent Secretary, asked Spacenet to submit draft contract documents for the project to him together with the draft financing agreement. These were submitted to AG Amos Wako on June 6, 2002 for legal opinion.[Kyungu 2nd from right]")
Sammy Kyungu, then Mudavadi’s Permanent Secretary, asked Spacenet to submit draft contract documents for the project to him together with the draft financing agreement. These were submitted to AG Amos Wako on June 6, 2002 for legal opinion.
[Kyungu 2nd from right]
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On July 11, 2002, Michael Alan/Spacenet received a contract “for the supply and installation of satellite equipment in 980 post offices at $11.8mn (Sh1.2bn)”. Spacenet Inc had no money to finance the project and was a dummy company. https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/shadowy-sweet-deal-that-got-githongo-into-endless-trouble-166930
On July 11, 2002, Michael Alan/Spacenet received a contract “for the supply and installation of satellite equipment in 980 post offices at $11.8mn (Sh1.2bn)”. Spacenet Inc had no money to finance the project and was a dummy company. https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/shadowy-sweet-deal-that-got-githongo-into-endless-trouble-166930
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The Ministry of Finance, represented by Samuel Bundotich, then entered into a financing agreement with First Mercantile Securities, which indicated that it was based in Geneva but was actually registered in the British Virgin Islands on December 11, 2000 by Anura Perera.
The Ministry of Finance, represented by Samuel Bundotich, then entered into a financing agreement with First Mercantile Securities, which indicated that it was based in Geneva but was actually registered in the British Virgin Islands on December 11, 2000 by Anura Perera.
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First Mercantile (though penniless) would act as a guarantor and be paid $929,250 on signature; followed by 12 tranches of $987,250 every 3 months between Feb 2003 - Nov 2005. The total came to $12.7mn. Any delay in payment would attract an 8.7% penalty.
First Mercantile (though penniless) would act as a guarantor and be paid $929,250 on signature; followed by 12 tranches of $987,250 every 3 months between Feb 2003 - Nov 2005. The total came to $12.7mn. Any delay in payment would attract an 8.7% penalty.
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On September 1, 2002, Spacenet transferred its rights to Gilat Satellite Networks (Holland BV), which subcontracted the manufacture of the postal satellite equipment to Perera’s Alldean Satellite Network, previously known as Gilat Alldean.
On September 1, 2002, Spacenet transferred its rights to Gilat Satellite Networks (Holland BV), which subcontracted the manufacture of the postal satellite equipment to Perera’s Alldean Satellite Network, previously known as Gilat Alldean.
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As the payments started flowing into First Mercantile, Pereira’s company, Emerick Finance and his own foundation started paying university school fees for PS Sammy Kyungu’s two daughters who were studying at Northampton University, England.
As the payments started flowing into First Mercantile, Pereira’s company, Emerick Finance and his own foundation started paying university school fees for PS Sammy Kyungu’s two daughters who were studying at Northampton University, England.
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All payments were stopped in 2005 as the AL scandal came to light. In Oct 2005, Perera commenced legal proceedings in Geneva. In February 2013, Kenya lost the case and in 2014, $7.8mn was paid to prevent Kenya from being blacklisted. https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/shadowy-sweet-deal-that-got-githongo-into-endless-trouble-166930
All payments were stopped in 2005 as the AL scandal came to light. In Oct 2005, Perera commenced legal proceedings in Geneva. In February 2013, Kenya lost the case and in 2014, $7.8mn was paid to prevent Kenya from being blacklisted. https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/shadowy-sweet-deal-that-got-githongo-into-endless-trouble-166930
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Additional contracts began to show up. Two of the companies, Sound Day Corporation and Apex Finance Corporation, managed by American Brian Mills, had signed four contracts, cumulatively worth more than US$145mn
Additional contracts began to show up. Two of the companies, Sound Day Corporation and Apex Finance Corporation, managed by American Brian Mills, had signed four contracts, cumulatively worth more than US$145mn
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The ploy was simple:
Win the contract, agree to provide credit but ensure the contracts stipulate that equipment will only be supplied after payment of the 1st instalment.
Provide no credit but charge interest on ‘financing’ which in reality was provided by the govt.
The ploy was simple:
Win the contract, agree to provide credit but ensure the contracts stipulate that equipment will only be supplied after payment of the 1st instalment.
Provide no credit but charge interest on ‘financing’ which in reality was provided by the govt.
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The unravelling of Anglo Leasing began when MP Maoka Maore, brought up the matter in parliament in April 2004, showing that Anglo Leasing had been paid a Sh91mn commitment fee, 3% of a Sh2.67bn contract to produce tamper-proof passports.
The unravelling of Anglo Leasing began when MP Maoka Maore, brought up the matter in parliament in April 2004, showing that Anglo Leasing had been paid a Sh91mn commitment fee, 3% of a Sh2.67bn contract to produce tamper-proof passports.
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With media picking up the story, Secretary to the Cabinet, Francis Muthaura indicated that AL would refund monies paid and EUR956,700 was wired from Zurich.
In June 2004, it was established that AL had been paid a further $5mn for a forensic laboratories never delivered.
With media picking up the story, Secretary to the Cabinet, Francis Muthaura indicated that AL would refund monies paid and EUR956,700 was wired from Zurich.
In June 2004, it was established that AL had been paid a further $5mn for a forensic laboratories never delivered.
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In July 2004, Sir Edward Clay, UK ambassador made his famous ‘Gluttons’ speech to a group of UK businessmen, launching a blistering attack on the Kibaki government over allegations of grand corruption.
Full speech:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3893625.stm
In July 2004, Sir Edward Clay, UK ambassador made his famous ‘Gluttons’ speech to a group of UK businessmen, launching a blistering attack on the Kibaki government over allegations of grand corruption.
Full speech:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3893625.stm
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As PS John Githongo investigated the scandal, issues were raised by none other than the then Minister for Justice, Kiraitu Murungi:
As PS John Githongo investigated the scandal, issues were raised by none other than the then Minister for Justice, Kiraitu Murungi:
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And then things got incredibly personal…
PS: The US Embassy described Anura Perera as “a long-standing corrupt dealmaker whose activities far pre-date the Anglo Leasing cases.”
Githongo Dossier:
And then things got incredibly personal…
PS: The US Embassy described Anura Perera as “a long-standing corrupt dealmaker whose activities far pre-date the Anglo Leasing cases.”
Githongo Dossier:
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Fearing for his life, Githongo resigned and fled into exile In Feb 2005.
In Nov 2005, he released a report detailing his findings on AL, to President Kibaki. This was to be later known as the Githongo Dossier.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/09_02_06_kenya_report.pdf
Fearing for his life, Githongo resigned and fled into exile In Feb 2005.
In Nov 2005, he released a report detailing his findings on AL, to President Kibaki. This was to be later known as the Githongo Dossier.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/09_02_06_kenya_report.pdf
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In his dossier, Githongo named:
-M. Awori: VP
-F. Muthaura: Head of Civil Service
-C. Murungaru: Internal Security Min
-K. Murungi: Justice Min
-D. Mwiraria: Finance Min
-S. Nyachae: Energy Min
-A. Gitonga: President’s PA
-PS’s Joseph Magari, David Mwangi, Sylvester Mwaliko
In his dossier, Githongo named:
-M. Awori: VP
-F. Muthaura: Head of Civil Service
-C. Murungaru: Internal Security Min
-K. Murungi: Justice Min
-D. Mwiraria: Finance Min
-S. Nyachae: Energy Min
-A. Gitonga: President’s PA
-PS’s Joseph Magari, David Mwangi, Sylvester Mwaliko
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The aftermath
In November 2005, President Mwai Kibaki finally acted. He dropped Chris Murungaru and David Mwiraria from the Cabinet then ‘accepted’ Kiraitu Murungi’s resignation.
The aftermath
In November 2005, President Mwai Kibaki finally acted. He dropped Chris Murungaru and David Mwiraria from the Cabinet then ‘accepted’ Kiraitu Murungi’s resignation.
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In 2007, the UK’s Serious Fraud Office tried to look into a US$30mn transfer by Apex Finance, an Anglo Leasing Co, made between Apr 2002 - Feb 2004 through Jersey and Guernsey. By 2009 the efforts had stalled, partly due to obstruction by Kenya. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/05/anglo-leasing-kenya-fraud-inquiry
In 2007, the UK’s Serious Fraud Office tried to look into a US$30mn transfer by Apex Finance, an Anglo Leasing Co, made between Apr 2002 - Feb 2004 through Jersey and Guernsey. By 2009 the efforts had stalled, partly due to obstruction by Kenya. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/05/anglo-leasing-kenya-fraud-inquiry
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Aaron Ringera chairman of the Kenya anti-corruption commission (KACC) and the highest paid civil servant (Sh2mn/month), resigned in 2009 after parliament overruled his reappointment by Kibaki. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/sep/30/kenya
Aaron Ringera chairman of the Kenya anti-corruption commission (KACC) and the highest paid civil servant (Sh2mn/month), resigned in 2009 after parliament overruled his reappointment by Kibaki. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/sep/30/kenya
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As an aside, the KACC had in October 2003 published an explosive report showing that bribery was rampant in the justice system, with prices running from Sh15mn for an Appeal Court judge to Sh1.6mn for a High Court judge, to Sh4,000 for a magistrate.
As an aside, the KACC had in October 2003 published an explosive report showing that bribery was rampant in the justice system, with prices running from Sh15mn for an Appeal Court judge to Sh1.6mn for a High Court judge, to Sh4,000 for a magistrate.
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In Sept 2012, former home affairs PS Sylvestor Mwaliko, was found guilty of abuse of office with regard to the Sh3bn dept of immigration contract and ordered to either pay a Sh3mn fine or face three years in prison.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kenya-corruption/kenya-makes-first-conviction-in-anglo-leasing-graft-scam-idUSBRE8840RJ20120905
In Sept 2012, former home affairs PS Sylvestor Mwaliko, was found guilty of abuse of office with regard to the Sh3bn dept of immigration contract and ordered to either pay a Sh3mn fine or face three years in prison.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kenya-corruption/kenya-makes-first-conviction-in-anglo-leasing-graft-scam-idUSBRE8840RJ20120905
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The next time Anglo Leasing showed up was in 2014 when CS Henry Rotich announced that he had negotiated a Sh1.4bn settlement to pave way for the Eurobond.
Kenya had lost a lawsuit filed by two companies linked to Anura Perera https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/markets/Sh1-4bn-Anglo-Leasing-settlement-clears-way-for-Eurobond/539552-2273934-d9beal/index.html
The next time Anglo Leasing showed up was in 2014 when CS Henry Rotich announced that he had negotiated a Sh1.4bn settlement to pave way for the Eurobond.
Kenya had lost a lawsuit filed by two companies linked to Anura Perera https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/markets/Sh1-4bn-Anglo-Leasing-settlement-clears-way-for-Eurobond/539552-2273934-d9beal/index.html
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In 2015, seven additional suspects were arraigned in court including:
Samuel Bundotich
Senator Chris Obure
Postmaster General Francis Chahonyo
Head of Debt Management David Onyonka
PSs Joseph Magari, Dave Munya Mwangi and Sammy Kyungu. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/article/2000153703/seven-vip-anglo-leasing-suspects-charged
In 2015, seven additional suspects were arraigned in court including:
Samuel Bundotich
Senator Chris Obure
Postmaster General Francis Chahonyo
Head of Debt Management David Onyonka
PSs Joseph Magari, Dave Munya Mwangi and Sammy Kyungu. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/article/2000153703/seven-vip-anglo-leasing-suspects-charged
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A PwC report stated that Kenya had paid for unfulfilled contracts and was overcharged up to 5x market prices.
Swiss authorities froze accounts with Sh12bn from Anglo Leasing-style deals
The Kenya govt had paid out some Ksh56bn on these deals. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/2558-559488-view-printVersion-cquf5jz/index.html
A PwC report stated that Kenya had paid for unfulfilled contracts and was overcharged up to 5x market prices.
Swiss authorities froze accounts with Sh12bn from Anglo Leasing-style deals
The Kenya govt had paid out some Ksh56bn on these deals. https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/2558-559488-view-printVersion-cquf5jz/index.html
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Interestingly enough, in 2016, a Mr Benson Kariuki, who headed an audit team from the Auditor-General’s office told a court that a paper trail showed that Sound Day, an AL company was owed Sh85bn. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/Kamanis--were-to-pocket-Sh86bn--in-Anglo-Leasing/539546-3305142-5ejqqjz/index.html
Interestingly enough, in 2016, a Mr Benson Kariuki, who headed an audit team from the Auditor-General’s office told a court that a paper trail showed that Sound Day, an AL company was owed Sh85bn. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/Kamanis--were-to-pocket-Sh86bn--in-Anglo-Leasing/539546-3305142-5ejqqjz/index.html
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In May 2019, Githongo was ordered to pay Chris Murungaru Sh27mn for defamation related to an audio tape of Murungaru asking him to back off his Anglo Leasing investigations and in return they would clear his father of a loan he owed. https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/court-orders-githongo-to-pay-murungaru-sh27m-for-defamation-163814
In May 2019, Githongo was ordered to pay Chris Murungaru Sh27mn for defamation related to an audio tape of Murungaru asking him to back off his Anglo Leasing investigations and in return they would clear his father of a loan he owed. https://www.nation.co.ke/kenya/news/court-orders-githongo-to-pay-murungaru-sh27m-for-defamation-163814
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Deepak Kamani was last sighted at the opening of the English Point Marina in Mombasa in January 2016.
No one went to prison and it’s very likely that GoK cannot wiggle out of the obligation to pay for the Anglo Leasing contracts.
Deepak Kamani was last sighted at the opening of the English Point Marina in Mombasa in January 2016.
No one went to prison and it’s very likely that GoK cannot wiggle out of the obligation to pay for the Anglo Leasing contracts.
