Joho Explains in Detail His Alleged Involvement in Drug Smuggling
Ali Hassan Joho, Cabinet Secretary nominee for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, has categorically refuted longstanding allegations linking him to drug trafficking.
Joho criticized the selective use of the 2013 Saitoti dossier, which he argues lacks evidence implicating him.
“On the drug baron issue, the irony for me is when you want to pick records selectively. That is what challenges me. When I was campaigning in 2013, there were billboards saying ‘don’t vote the baron, vote change’,” Joho stated.
He referred to the dossier presented by the late Professor George Saitoti, then Minister of Internal Security, which originated from the American Embassy.
Speaking when he appeared for vetting by the Committee on Appointments, the former Mombasa Governor emphasized that such dossiers are typically subjected to thorough investigations.
“The late Saitoti came back to Parliament with the report and tabled a report of the investigation and the outcome. It was a multi-agency investigation that clearly stated that no iota of evidence was found against me,” he explained.
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Recounting his political journey, Joho highlighted the intense scrutiny he faced, particularly during his tenure as governor in 2013.
“I am not a fool. I come from a family that is blessed with businesses, and I am thankful for what I have,” he remarked.
Joho pointed out that as a prominent critic of the Jubilee government, he endured various personal and professional attacks.
“I had personal altercations, they came after me in businesses and on many fronts. Don’t you think for a minute, if I were involved in any illegal activity, I would have survived that regime? They would have quickly used it against me,” he claimed.
The nominee asserted his commitment to lawful business practices.
“I want to assure Kenyans that I do clean businesses, that are visible, and can be audited. If someone wants to talk about the dossier that was tabled, also talk about the outcome of the investigations,” he stated.
The nominee’s explanation comes at a crucial time as he seeks to transition into a new role within the government, bringing his extensive experience and leadership to the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs after he was nominated by President William Ruto.
Joho Explains in Detail His Alleged Involvement in Drug Smuggling
