President Uhuru Kenyatta has finally responded to the whole day trending fiery topic, the Pandora Papers investigation.
The massive global investigation has exposed the ties between world leaders to the hidden world of offshore wealth collectively worth trillions of dollars.
In a statement Monday, through State House spokesperson Kanze Dena, the President steered clear of his family’s listing in the expose instead saying, it will go a long way in enhancing the financial transparency and openness that Kenya requires.
“The Pandora Papers and subsequent follow-up audits will lift that veil of secrecy and darkness for those who can not explain their assets or wealth, ” said President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“My attention has been drawn to comments surrounding the Pandora Papers. Whilst I will respond comprehensively on my return from my State Visit to the Americas,” He added.
The Statement came right after the President left for Ethiopia to attend the swearing in of Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for a new five-year term.
Abiy’s government faces a host of challenges, including a months-long conflict in the northern region of Tigray.
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The landmark probe, published on October 4 was conducted by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) – an ensemble of 600 journalists from 150 media outlets in 117 countries, including Kenya’s Investigative journalist, John Allan Namu.
Digging into more than 11.9 million documents leaked from 14 offshore financial services firms, the ICIJ found that 35 heads of state and government and more than 300 politicians have set up offshore structures and trusts in tax havens from the British Virgin Islands, Seychelles, to Hong Kong and Belize.
In addition to the politicians and heads of states, singer Shakira and former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar are among celebrities and sport stars named in the investigation.
Russia has so far dismissed revelations leaked in the Pandora Papers as “unsubstantiated claims” after an investigation by a media consortium shone a light on wealth allegedly amassed by Kremlin-linked individuals.
Putin is not directly named, but he is linked via associates to secret assets in Monaco, notably a waterfront home acquired by a Russian woman reported to have had a child with the Russian leader.
