Former Chief Justice David Maraga has expressed concern over the move by the government to deposit the money collected from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in Swiss bank accounts as a pilot project.
In a statement on Tuesday April 15, Maraga termed the move by the government as a violation of the constitution.
“In a line of many scandals in our history, most of which have never been subjected to the wheels of justice, this is yet another flagrant violation of the Constitution, which requires that all monies collected be deposited in the Consolidated Fund,” read part of Maraga’s statement.
The former Chief Justice questioned whether the pilot was approved by Parliament and why the government used Swiss accounts despite their record of anonymity.
He also wondered who the signatories of the Swiss accounts are and if the funds have been transferred to the Consolidated Fund.
Read More
“When did Parliament approve this pilot? Why Offshore Swiss accounts with their record of obscurity? Who are the signatories? What evidence do we have that this is not yet another offshore account scam for personal gain? Have those funds now been transferred to the Consolidated Fund?” Maraga posed.
The former CJ highlighted that the lack of transparency and accountability in the way public resources are used is the main reason for the economic difficulties that Kenya faces.
“Kenya needs a reset of values, vision, and an uncompromising rule of law. We must now be fearless in removing political leadership and cartels who do immeasurable and unacceptable harm to Kenyans,” he added.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Monday confirmed that money collected through the eTA services was banked in Swiss accounts.
Mwaura explained that the eTA system was being implemented with a Swiss company, and hence, money was deposited in Swiss accounts when the service was being piloted.
He, however, noted that the piloting stage ended, and money collected from ETA is currently deposited in the Consolidated Fund.
"There was a piloting phase for the eTA program, which was a collaboration between the Kenyan Government and a Swiss company.
"The piloting has been completed, and all payments are now made through eCitizen and remitted to the Consolidated Fund,” Mwaura stated.
