Pandora Papers: Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and members of his family have been reportedly been caught in the webs of the new massive leak themed Pandora Papers which exposed leaders who hide their wealth in offshore accounts.
BBC wrote that, ‘The Pandora Papers – 12 million files – is the biggest such leak in history. He said he would “respond comprehensively” to the leak once he returned from a state visit abroad.’
The new expose unveiled archives in Panama, British Virgin Island (BVI) and other tax havens that link the Kenyatta’s to about 13 offshore companies with just one among them holding an amount of $30 million.
The rest of the amount held by the first family is yet to be disclosed.
Investigators leaked information on a business owned by Uhuru Kenyatta’s mother Mama Ngina Kenyatta as a primary benefactor that disclosed, in the event of any misfortune to her, that her son would be the sole receiver of the proceeds from the foundation.
“In case of the death of Mama Ngina Kenyatta, the entire capital or income of the foundation, as well as any additional contributions received by the foundation shall be distributed to her son: Mr. Uhuru Muigae Kenyatta” the document said.
Earlier, the Kenyan president has confessed that him being a public servant meant that all his wealth had been made public but this new information about the Pandora papers sheds a new light on how much wealth is hiding in offshore accounts among leaders. Specially African leaders.
This is the president’s response: ”President Kenyatta responds to the Pandora Papers leak that linked his family with 13 offshore accounts worth Sh3.3b, says report will enhance financial transparency.”
“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,” said Uhuru in a statement sent to the newsrooms by State House spokesperson Kanze Dena-Mararo.
He added: “My attention has been drawn to comments surrounding the Pandora papers. Whilst I will respond comprehensively on my return from my State visit to the Americas. These reports will go a long way in enhancing the financial transparency and openness that we require in Kenya and around the globe.”
Kenyans had a lot to comment but here are a few words they said:
‘Tell him we want our money back. 2billoin daily since 2017 !!!!! #client13713′
‘Tell the president his offshore accounts can sort Kenya out and half of Africa!’
Others questioned the legibility of the night curfew whilst adding that it was unnecessary if the president didn’t care about the country.
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There’s no reliable estimate of the Kenyatta family’s net worth but its vast business interests span transport, insurance, hotels, farming, land ownership and the media industry in Kenya.
Source: BBC