Photo/FILE Among the Anglo Leasing-type contracts were deals to buy a navy ship, set up a new tamper-proof passports system, install new communication equipment for security forces and forensic laboratory for the CID.
By BERNARD NAMUNANE bnamunane@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, February 12 2012 at 22:30
Posted Sunday, February 12 2012 at 22:30
Hopes have risen of fresh investigations into the Anglo-Leasing scandal after the government finally secured a mutual legal assistance agreement with Switzerland.
Sources at the Attorney-General’s office confirmed that investigations had been revived into the scandal that has claimed careers of several politicians and senior public servants and led to a period in exile for former whistle-blowing Ethics and Governance permanent secretary John Githongo.
After taking over as AG last August, Prof Githu Muigai sent a request to Swiss authorities seeking assistance to track down individuals and companies involved.
“We can confirm that the Attorney-General has resuscitated the Anglo-Leasing cases and Switzerland has agreed to help trace individuals, companies and their assets,” said a senior officer at the AG’s office.
Former AG Amos Wako and successive heads of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) had reported abortive attempts to secure the help of Swiss authorities in cracking Anglo-Leasing cases under the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) scheme.
The Swiss Government, however, insisted on proof that the officers who were sending requests had the legal authority.
Investigations into one of the major scandals in the country extended to five foreign countries — Switzerland, Britain, France, Germany and the United States. (READ: Red flag raised over debts from Anglo-Leasing)
Former permanent secretaries Joseph Magari (Treasury) and Silvester Mwaliko (Home Affairs) lost their jobs in the civil service because of the scandal. Their cases are still in court.
Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi and former Finance minister David Mwiraria were suspended from office as they were investigated over claims by Mr Githongo that they either tried to cover up or were involved in the Anglo-Leasing scandal. They were later cleared of any wrongdoing.
Last year, Mr Wako said the government was in close contact with the Swiss authorities on matters relating to the Anglo-Leasing scandal.
The Anglo-Leasing scandal dates back to 2002 when the Kenyan government sought to get new generation passports with advanced security features.
The investigations involved two contracts which started during former President Daniel arap Moi regime, but were inherited when the Narc government, under President Kibaki, took over in 2003.
KACC investigators flew to Switzerland between 2004 and 2006 seeking to interview three men linked to the Sh7 billion scandal.
They were businessman Michael Gruring, who was the managing director of Anglo-Leasing and Finance, Dr Meryln Kettering, who was a consultant, and a representative of the company in Liverpool, UK, Mr Collin Flynn.
In the first contract, Anglo-Leasing and Finance was given an order worth Sh2.7 billion, without competitive tender, to supply a passport printing system for the Immigration ministry.
Another deal secured by the shadowy company was a contract of Sh4 billion to build and fit three forensic laboratories for the Criminal Investigations Department. None of the contracts was implemented.
Kenya is also seeking the owners of two other companies — Midland Finance and Globetel — which financed two other projects under the Anglo-Leasing scheme. The Sh4.9 billion contract was signed on May 29, 2003.
However, Sh800 million paid up front was returned after the scandal broke. Another company, Infotalent, was awarded a contract to finance the computerisation of the Kenya Police E-cops project.
The contract, worth Sh5.9 billion, was signed on December 4, 2003 and Sh588 million was allegedly paid out. The money was also reported to have been refunded.
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