Anglo Leasing Ghost Won't Be Exorcised

Daily Nation

26 January 2007 Page: 10

The ghost of Anglo Leasing has dominated public discourse for a long time now, and it continued to haunt Kenyans this week, following the sensational release of fresh tapes allegedly featuring the voices of key members of the current administration. In releasing the tapes on the Internet, former Ethics Permanent Secretary John Githongo sought to challenge a view strongly peddled by the Government that there was no interference by powerful politicians in regard to the investigations of the 18 controversial contracts that nearly saw the taxpayers lose a whopping Sh50 billion to shadowy operators. The foremost public concern over the matter is the insensitivity and arrogance with which the Government, particularly the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC), is handling the matter. The second is the number of discordant messages coming from the various Government arms charged with sorting out the matter. At one point, Attorney-General Amos Wako said the investigations into the issues were still going on. Yet, the commission, which is supposed to conduct the investigations over the claims of political interference, categorically repeats that it has closed that chapter. As far as KACC is concerned, the only investigation to be undertaken is in regard to the actual shady deals. Its argument is that the Githongo tapes are inaudible, and therefore cannot be accepted as credible evidence. As the ping pong game continues, the public is left wondering what is really being done about the Anglo Leasing stink. The commission has not given any convincing reason to drop investigations, particularly in regard to the political interference and attempted cover-up charges. Mr Wako is guarded and talking more or less in code. It is difficult to comprehend how one can proceed to investigate any issue the moment he or she cuts out related elements that may turn out to be germane to the whole matter. Anglo Leasing may be a tired subject, but with every bend and turn, it continues to excite emotions, and the last thing the public wants to hear are insensitive statements from authorities charged with the task of investigating corruption cases. The scandal can never be wished away. It must be addressed squarely.