Uhuru Responds to Pandora Papers Exposé Linking His Family to Secret Offshore Accounts

President Kenyatta has reacted to the Pandora Papers investigation that linked his family with 11 secret offshore accounts. 

In a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena on Monday, Uhuru welcomed the exposé, saying it will improve financial accountability.

“The Pandora Papers and subsequent follow up audits will lift that veil of secrecy and darkness for those who cannot explain their assets or wealth,” Kenyatta stated.

“…these reports will go a long way in enhancing the financial transparency and openness that we require in Kenya and around the globe. The movement of illicit funds, proceeds of crime and corruption thrive in an environment of secrecy and darkness.”

Kenyatta did not directly answer to allegations that his family has stashed up to Sh3 billion in secret offshore accounts through a network of companies, but he promised to issue a comprehensive response once he returns from his State visit to the Americas.

The exposé, which is based on documents leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ), claimed that President Kenyatta and six members of his family secretly own a network of offshore companies.

One of the companies is a foundation named Varies which was established in 2003 with Mama Ngina Kenyatta and President Kenyatta as the first and second benefactors respectively.

Another company called Milrun International Limited was set up in 1999 by Mama Ngina and her daughters, Kristina and Anna, in the British Virgin Islands.

Mama Ngina and her daughters were advised by international wealth experts from the Swiss Bank Union Bancaire Privée (UBP), which recruited Alcogal, a Panamanian law firm specializing in setting up and administering offshore companies, according to ICIJ.

Invoices from Alcogal to the bank show that the Swiss advisers referred to the Kenyattas with the code ‘client 13173.’

UBP also helped Uhuru’s brother Muhoho Kenyatta to set up a company in Panama called Criselle Foundation.