Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo. Photo/FILE
By ALPHONCE SHIUNDU ashiundu@ke.nationmedia.com and KITAVI MUTUA kitavimutua@gmail.com
Posted Sunday, April 22 2012 at 22:30
Posted Sunday, April 22 2012 at 22:30
IN SUMMARY
- Politician allegedly demanded cash to protect firms said to be dealing in fake medicines
Allegations of extortion against another lawmaker have surfaced, with pharmaceutical dealers saying he demanded up to Sh10 million to clear firms accused of dealing in counterfeit drugs.
Dr Kamamia Murichu, the chairman of the Kenya Pharmaceutical Distributors Association, on Sunday told the Nation of his ordeal at the hands of the MP with extortionist tendencies.
The issue arose as the House Committee on Health carried out an inquiry into the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in the country.
Dr Murichu said an MP, who is a vocal member of the committee, visited three pharmaceutical firms in an attempt to extort money, with the promise that he would influence the team’s final report in their favour.
The MP, according to Dr Murichu, had apparently received information about the alleged wrongdoing by the firms from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
He is said to have visited three pharmaceutical companies.
The committee’s vice- chairman, Dr Abdi Nuh (Bura), however, said: “While I can’t vouch for any member, it is incumbent on the pharmaceutical companies to state if they have any evidence.”
Efforts to contact the MP accused of the extortion bid failed.
At the same time, MPs David Musila (Mwingi South), Isaac Muoki (Kitui South) and Charles Nyamai (Kitui West) said they would institute a motion seeking the removal of Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo from Parliament if bribery allegations against him are proved true.
Mr Kilonzo was last week accused by Finance assistant minister Oburu Oginga of attempting to extort Sh6.6 million from Mastermind Tobacco Ltd to drop a question in the House regarding the company’s tax arrears.
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