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Kenyan Ministers resign over sleaze claims

Jeevan Vasagar

Nairobi: Two Kenyan Ministers have resigned over claims that they had looted millions of pounds from the treasury in two separate corruption scandals that have shaken the Government of President Mwai Kibaki and angered foreign donors. Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi quit after allegations that he plotted to steal government cash through a series of suspect contracts for police or military equipment, of which the best known is the ``Anglo Leasing'' affair, named after the bogus finance company involved.

He was also accused of putting pressure on John Githongo, former anti-corruption tsar, in an attempt to persuade him to back off. Education Minister George Saitoti also quit on Monday, over accusations of corruption dating back to the previous Government of Daniel Arap Moi.

Mr. Saitoti, who was Finance Minister under Mr. Moi, has been named in connection with the ``Goldenberg'' scandal, which involved the export of fictitious gold and diamonds in exchange for government subsidies. A judicial report on the Goldenberg scandal, which was presented to Mr. Kibaki this month, urged the Attorney-General to consider whether Mr. Saitoti should face criminal charges. The twin departures follow the resignation of the Finance Minister, David Mwiraria, two weeks ago in connection with the Anglo Leasing scandal. President Kibaki said he had accepted the resignation of the two ministers to pave the way for investigations. —

© Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

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