Cleophas Malala, the Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has stirred controversy by implicating former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga in the purported Sh17 billion oil scandal. This scandal is associated with Ann Njeri, a self-proclaimed businesswoman.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Malala pointedly questioned the involvement of the two leaders, highlighting their public comments regarding the government’s actions toward confiscating the oil consignment.
The former Kakamega Senator insinuated that the duo’s vocal stance indicates potential vested interests in the controversial shipment.
“Hiyo yote ni propaganda ya kujaribu kuharibia serikali yetu jina. Swali tunafaa kuuliza Njeri, biashara yake ya Kenya iko wapi yenye alifanya na akatengeneza Ksh.17 billion? All this is propaganda to tarnish the image of our government. What we need to ask Ms Njeri is, where is herbusiness in Kenya that enables her to make Sh17 billion?” Malala posed.
Malala further emphasized the suspicious nature of the colossal sum, rhetorically questioning how Njeri, purportedly lacking even a modest kiosk, could be associated with such an immense amount of money.
He linked the emergence of these allegations with Raila Odinga’s recent engagement in discussions about the oil matter, along with Uhuru Kenyatta’s involvement.
Moreover, Malala suggested that the funds used to procure the oil consignment might have been siphoned from public coffers during Uhuru Kenyatta’s previous presidential term.
“Wakati tulienda kura mliskia kuna Ksh.16.9 billion ilipotea. Hiyo pesa walitoa kwa madola wakapeleka kwa makampuni zao kule nje. Sasa wameenda wakachukua pesa kule nje wakanunua mafuta ikuje kwa njia ya Njeri ndio hiyo pesa irudi hapa Kenya,” he claimed.
These statements align with the recent allegations by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who also implicated the government’s involvement in funding Njeri’s controversial fuel deal.
Omtatah referenced a gazette notice dated July 13, 2023, purportedly authorized by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, which approved the withdrawal of Sh17.2 billion from the Consolidated Fund to subsidize a ‘private enterprise.’
UDA Sec Gen @Cleophasmalala now ALLEGES that Njeri wa Mafuta's 17B Shilling Oil shipment belongs to Azimio leaders @RailaOdinga and @4thPresidentKE @EtalePhilip @edwinsifuna pic.twitter.com/H10lPaBsx1
— Chazima on X (@SChazima) November 21, 2023
In light of these startling accusations, Malala vehemently demanded that Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga disclose their interests in this contentious fuel scandal.
These developments surrounding the alleged oil saga continue to generate intense debate and speculation across various political and public spheres, raising questions about the involvement of high-profile figures and the utilization of public funds in private transactions.