Fresh details emerge after Uhuru’s brother was linked to toxic sugar scandal

mary kulundu

June 27, 2018 8:02 AM

Is the Kenyatta family part of the sugar scam?

New details have emerged a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s brother was linked to the importation of toxic sugar into the country.

On Tuesday, during the proceedings of a joint House committee investigating contraband sugar, Aldai MP Cornelly Serem sensationally claimed that interior and Coordination CS Fred Matiang'i had snubbed the session because of Muhoho Kenyatta’s involvement in the controversial importation of sugar.

According to Mr. Serem, Muhoho’s company, Protech Investment Limited, was among firms involved in the importation of contraband sugar. This he said quoting a report tabled in the House by Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri.

"After going through these documents we were given yesterday (Monday), I see why Matiang’i is not here. A company by the name Protech Investment Limited is owned by one of the strongest people in this country, and that could be why Matiang’i is not here because he is afraid.

"This document originated from the Agriculture Ministry. Company number 112 in this list is owned by Muhoho Kenyatta," Serem said.

However, fresh information indicate that though it is true Muhoho’s company is on the list, the company is only involved in the purchase of industrial sugar.

A source speaking to the Standard noted that it was malicious to drag President’s brother into the investigations.

"The company is not part of these sugar imports. They are just importers of industrial sugar used for making yoghurt and other milk products at Brookside Dairy," the Standard quoted the source close to Muhoho as saying.

Mr Matiang’i was the first Government official to confirm that sugar meant for consumption was laced with mercury and copper. His allegations were denied by Trade CS Adan Mohammed.

Parliament summoned CSs Matiang'i, Mohammed, Kiunjuri and Henry Rotich (National Treasury) to shed more light to the claims that have since caused an uproar in the country.

On Monday, Agriculture CS appeared before the committee where he laid blame on the National Treasury for the entry of the poisonous sugar into the county.

According to Mr. Kiunjuri, a gazette notice issued by the National Treasury in May 2017 opened the way for anyone to import sugar duty-free.

mary kulundu