Monica Juma-led Ministry of defence has finally spoken on the ongoing investigations into a fake military tender in which former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa is highly involved.
The ministry on Monday sent a statement to newsrooms distancing itself from the Ksh 40 billion deal allegedly procured by Echesa from Deputy President William Ruto’s office.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s head of communication Bogita Ongeri, the ministry confirmed that indeed investigators and complainants in the saga on Monday visited its headquarters at Ulinzi House to ascertain the officers and offices they allegedly accessed.
“During the visit it was established that the complainants have never interacted with any official mandated to represent the Ministry of Defence. The visit further revealed that the complainants have never been to (Ulinzi House), the Ministry of Defence Headquarters as has been alleged,” the statement read in part.
The ministry further stated that all the documents and content displayed in the media pertaining the matter never originated from the Ministry of Defence.
It distanced itself from the alleged involvement in the fake arms procurement scam that last week shocked the country.
The ministry also raised concerns that a section of the media was creating a narrative that was scandalous and libelous in spite of what is clearly a fraudulent and criminal act.
“The Ministry of Defense intends to seek redress for this matter,” the statement further revealed.
Mr Echesa was released on a Sh1 million cash bail amid investigations into the Sh40 billion arms fraud case.
The former CS had been arraigned alongside three people identified as Mr Daniel Otieno, Mr Clifford Okoth and Mr Kennedy Oyoo.
Mr Echesa was nabbed outside Deputy President William Ruto’s office but the latter has distanced himself from the scandal.
It has emerged that two of his aides were captured on a CCTV footage showing that they were present during a meeting with the foreigners who work for Echo Advanced Technologies, an American based company.
Below is the statement issued by Ministry of Defence.
