Anti-graft agency chairman Philip Kinisu has said cartels are ganging up against him because of the reforms he has initiated.
In response to a suit filed by activist Okiya Omtata, Kinisu filed an affidavit yesterday saying the case is not about conflict of interest, but “vested interests who do not want to be vetted or see reforms at the EACC”.
“It is clear there are individuals who feel threatened with the reform agenda I have started to implement at the commission and have an agenda of releasing false and malicious information to confuse the public,” the affidavit said.
Kinisu said he ceased being a director of Esaki Ltd on August 15, 2008 and transferred all his shares to his daughter Caroline Simiyu.
“My relationship with Esaki Ltd is by virtue of the company being owned by family members and through my initial provision of working capital when the company was incorporated,” he said.
Kinisu said he declared his interest in the company when talking up the EACC chairman post.
“I am aware that Bunge la Wananchi forwarded a complaint against the company to the EACC and that the issue of Esaki Ltd was referred to a multi-agency team for investigations by the DPP,” he said. Kinisu, is accused of doing business with the National Youth Service prior to his appointment at the EACC. The NYS is involved in a Sh791 million scandal.
Kinisu said there is no conflict of interest arising out of his association with Esaki and investigations of alleged dealings between the NYS and Esaki.
Kinisu’s wife and Esaki managing director Mary said the EACC chief has no shares in Esaki.