President says leaked Pandora Papers don’t mention any illegality
President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday defended himself over the leaked Pandora Papers, saying his name was not mentioned.
Responding to questions from journalists during the UN Security Council debate in New York, Uhuru also said there was no mention of any illegality in the papers.
“First and foremost my name is not there. Secondly, there has been no mention of any illegality or wrong doing on part,” he said.
Uhuru who promised to address the matter once he jets back into the country, had in a statement he issued last week welcomed the release of the report, saying the move will lift the veil of secrecy and darkness on those who cannot explain their wealth.
He further stated that the leaks would help in enhancing financial transparency and openness required in the country and globally.
In a statement released through State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena, the President welcomed the expose that has lifted the veil on intricate deals and investments in the world’s tax havens, that attract the rich and powerful because of their friendly tax regimes and secrecy.
Pandora Papers, the biggest trove of leaked offshore data in history, include 11.9 million files from companies hired by wealthy clients to create offshore structures and trusts in tax havens such as Panama, Dubai, Monaco, Switzerland and the Cayman Islands.
The documents expose the secret offshore affairs of 35 world leaders, including current and former presidents, prime ministers and Heads of State and also shine a light on the secret finances of more than 300 other public officials such as government ministers, judges, mayors and military generals in more than 90 countries globally.
Data shows that the Kenyatta family owned a network of offshore companies for decades with six members being linked to thirteen firms.
