The majority shareholder in Tatu City, Stephen Jennings, yesterday said he has confidence in Pius Ngugi as a local business partner.
He spoke at Tatu House in Ruiru subcounty during a board meeting held under tight security.
Kiambu Administration Police commander Dismas Nyakundi and OCPD Stephen Ng’etich led the security team.
Jennings said Ngugi is his long-time friend and their families have known each other for long.
“He is a man I respect and trust,” he said.
Jennings said the heavy police presence was prompted by an attempt by police and immigration officials to intimidate him on June 9.
He alleged the police had been bribed.
“Today the police are here because we wanted to protect ourselves,” Jennings said. He said there is a lot of corruption and impunity within Kenya’s business community and the “country’s corruption ranking is not very good”.
Jennings said, however, Kenya has a vibrant civil society and democracy.
Yesterday’s meeting was meant to pass resolutions to enable the project to continue.
Jennings said court cases have delayed its kickoff but denied claims the cases are affecting daily operations.
He said former Central Bank of Kenya Governor Nahashon Nyaga is the Tatu City chairman under the court directives.
“We are careful to abide by the court ruling. Anyone can call a board meeting from time to time, but with advance communication,’’ Jennings said.
All the seven board members attended yesterday’s meeting.