Senior Citizen TV news anchor Yvonne Okwara has sent an open letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta over the Pandora Papers expose, where his family was found to have offshore accounts and properties worth billions abroad.
Speaking during the News Gang segment on Thursday night, Yvonne while delivering her take reminded President Kenyatta to honor a promise he made regarding the Pandora Papers.
Early this month while embarking on a trip to the United States, the President promised to issue a detailed statement on the Pandora Papers, once he returns to the country.
According to Yvonne, now that the President is back and he’s already overseen some of the important functions that were on his calendar including leading Mashujaa Day celebrations and hosting Malawian President, it is time for him to address the issue conclusively.
“Dear Mr President, there is a matter, an important one requiring your response… Now that your guest has gone, we are hoping that you will embark on the promise you made to us on 4th October over the expose on cash in foreign accounts in what came to be known as the Pandora Papers,” she said in part.
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File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta. [Photo:Courtesy]
Yvonne argued that even though the President’s name does not appear on the leaked documents, he has been dragged into the issue by virtue of his family being mentioned.
She further notes that the President has a responsibility to address the issue as it important to fight against corruption, important to principle of transparency and accountability and important for political hygiene.
“You promised us a response, in fact I can go further and say, you owe us one and not just because you promised it, but also because your name has been dragged into this by virtue of family association,” she said.
While acknowledging that it is not illegal to have offshore accounts, Yvonne noted that the Head of State has a moral obligation to Kenyans, and thus the need to address the issue.
“The questions being raised on these matters are not necessarily legal ones, they are moral questions and touch on highest standards placed on our leaders and you, and the legitimate expectations from citizens,” she said.
Detailing what she expects to see in the President’s response, Yvonne noted that the Head of State should address the issue of his family investing abroad, while neglecting Kenya and the image it portrays to Kenyans.
Additionally, she questioned whether the President’s response will include a source of the money in the offshore accounts and whether he’ll welcome a further probe into the issue.
All eyes are now on the Head of State as many Kenyans eagerly await his response regarding the Pandora Papers expose.
A letter to the President…
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) October 21, 2021
Here is Yvonne’s Take#NewsGang@YvonneOkwara @Fchurii@LinusKaikai@jageyo pic.twitter.com/ocF5zCxrNA
Video Courtesy of Citizen TV.
