Raila Reacts to Pandora Papers Report That Exposed Kenyatta Family’s Secret Offshore Wealth
ODM leader Raila Odinga has reacted to the Pandora Papers investigative report that exposed how world leaders use offshore tax havens to hide assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Speaking on Wednesday, Odinga stated that he does not own any offshore account, adding that all his wealth is within the country. “I have no offshore accounts. All my wealth is within the country. I am playing locally,” said Odinga.
“I have been in government and there are temptations. Contractors will try to influence decisions. I have rejected them before,” he added.
The report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) linked President Kenyatta and six members of his family to 11 offshore companies; one of which holds assets worth $30 million (Sh3.31 billion).
Odinga, who spoke during an interview with various FM stations, noted that there is nothing wrong with operating an offshore account as long as one can account for the money in the accounts.
“I am sure the truth will come out. The President has said he will give more details on the claims. I want every Kenyan with offshore accounts to come out and declare them,” said Raila.
On Monday, President Uhuru welcomed the exposé, saying it will enhance financial accountability. He promised to issue a comprehensive response once he returns from his State visit to the Americas.
“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...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," he said.
One of the 11 companies linked to the Kenyattas 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.
Comments
Odinga noted that "--- there…
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Odinga noted that "--- there is nothing wrong in operating an offshore account---". But as the president and leaders of the country, these fellows ought to keep their money inside Kenya to help grow the economy for all the people of Kenya. How can our leaders hold offshore bank accounts of Sh3.31 billion (plus all the money banked abroad by our unpatriotic Kenyans); while still begging foreign nationals and corporations to invest in Kenya. How can we create jobs for our jobless youth if our money is stashed abroad? Are taxes being paid on this money to Kenya Revenue services?
We can whoop and holler all…
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We can whoop and holler all we want but the fact remains; we are all motivated by our own self interests. If our birth circumstances are reversed and we find ourselves citizens of Zimbabwe, how many of us here would bank in that country?
What difference will it make…
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What difference will it make if even uhuru explains the offshore accounts? Even if his family has a billion dollars in offshore assets, nobody in Kenya can do anything about it. It’s a moot point to explain anything. It’s no secret all Kenyans know the Kenyatta family has a lot wealth so shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone. If every Kenyan politician was exposed there wouldn’t anyone left in the parliament.
I like Raila’s comment, he was in the government and there are temptations. He needs to elaborate on this comment. Temptation to steal? Is he implying Uhuru fell into temptation? You tell me….
Would be much better for the…
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Would be much better for the country if we report those who tempt us to corruption to the anti-corruption authority. Avoiding the temptations, by itself, is not enough.
Raila is only excusing…
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Raila is only excusing himself because he is working to climb the mountain.
This time the mountain will be very slippery for him. It will be difficult for such an old man to climb.
Wish him well on his journey!!
Were it not for the …
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Were it not for the 'handshake', it's needless to say that Baba's narrative would have been so different.
Comrade K, It's being part…
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In reply to Were it not for the … by K (not verified)
Comrade K,
It's being part of the HYENAS VIP CLUB.
They protect each other.
Raila,Uhuru,etc..There are…
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Raila,Uhuru,etc..There are no "pandora" papers!
Tony Blair, a former UK leader...got a job with Arabs, then Africans..?
His next assignment will be with NatGeo, reporting on the Himba tribe.
OHH, The Queen of England never knew how to love a Black...till she met grandchild from Angela n her son.
Uhuru, Raila, Ruto are presidents who come and go. Support them when they are in power!
Never let Pale mongrels dictate...
REMEMBER, the white has an "enslave gene", on the short arm of chromosome???..jijazie!
Many missing the point:…
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Many missing the point: investigate 1st if any law was broken in removing money from a poor nation to another nation, what was the motive? Lack of confidence in Kenya by the president speaks volumes about his core beliefs and zero patriotism. Was this proceeds of corruption? Investigate. It is obviously immoral if no law was broken. A president stashing money away leads others to do the same hence removing needed money from the economy. That is not sustainable. It is a big loss. Every analyst and supporter of handshake seems to be oblivious of the impact of capital flight on a weak economy. Kenya offers more opportunities for investment that need to be explored by these run away money billionaires.
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