CS Najibu Balala Summoned By EACC But Terms Raids to His Home as Fake News

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Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala has been summoned by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over a Ksh.100 million contract awarded in 2017 on Monday, February 18.

A letter signed by the agency’s investigations director, Abdi Mohamud, stated it was conducting investigations into claims of a contract award to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Kenya, regarding hosting the 2017 Destination Expo Conference.

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The ASTA Destination Expo is an international event that takes place at different locations every year, the purpose being to sell new destinations to clients, according to its website.

“The commission is conducting investigations into allegations of irregular award of contract to ASTA Kenya for hosting of ASTA 2017 Destination Expo Conference and further sponsorship of Ksh.100M for the conference,” reads the summons.

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“To facilitate our investigation, you are kindly invited for interview and statement recording at our Integrity Center offices on 18th February, 2019 at 9.00am.”

Balala, at the same time denied reports by The Standard Newspaper that his homes in Nairobi, Kilifi and Mombasa homes had been raided by EACC detectives over the issue.

“No raids have taken place at my house as claimed by The Standard Newspaper today, the journalist was aware prior to publishing the report of the same. My legal team is handling the matter,” reads his tweet.

“EACC inquiry on the American Society of Travel Agents Expo that took place at KICC in Feb 2017 organised by ASTA – Kenya chapter has been an ongoing process which the Ministry of Tourism has fully cooperated since the start of the inquiry,” he added.

The CS is said to have personally signed the award letter to the company hence attracting investigations from the EACC.

He is also alleged to have contracted the company during the 2016/2017 financial year to offer various services during the circuit of exhibitions held in Nairobi.

Reports reveal that despite the company being contracted, it had not qualified to be given the contract and neither did the ministry have the money.

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