KACC: We�re investigating Kajwang�

By Ayub Savula

Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang� is trouble once again � only days after a parliamentary committee cleared him of corruption claims.

The Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC) has launched fresh investigation into Kajwang�s decision to issue work permits to eight foreign missionaries, against the technical advise of the ministry�s senior officers.

On Monday, members of the Church of Jesus of Later Day Saints, who had been issued the permits, were ordered to report at KACC headquarters in Upperhill, Nairobi, to shed light on the saga.

Bishop Enos Lanogwa told The Standard on telephone that he visited KACC where he was questioned over the permits.

“I was at KACC today on matters concerning the permits. I explained to them that we don�t bribe to get permits. That would be the last thing to do in my life. I never bribe,” vowed the bishop.

Lanogwa said among the questions put to him was to explain the circumstances in which he and others met Kajwang and how they secured an appointment with his office.

Lanogwa said his church operates legally in Kenya as other religious organisation.

“We are not a sect, we operate within the provisions of the law. We also offer humanitarian services,” said Lanogwa.

The Director of Communications at KACC Nicholas Simani confirmed that an investigation had been opened over the permits saga.

The Church of Jesus of the Latter Day Saints is a religious grouping that espouses radical doctrine that propounds inferiority of the Black race, which they claim is descendent from the Biblical Cain, according to Internet sources.

The bishop said he had met several Government ministers in regard to the church activities and wondered why the church was being subjected to KACC investigations.

The KACC investigation re-opens a saga that erupted two months ago, and appeared sealed last week when the Administration, National Security and Local Authorities Parliamentary Committee, chaired by Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi, cleared Kajwang of any wrongdoing.

But Government Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo protested the move to revive the case, saying the matter had been concluded.

“This matter was resolved. The minister is out of the country, who is at it again?” wondered Midiwo.

Joseph Ndathi, then director of Immigration, has since been transferred to Foreign Affairs ministry as director of administration.

Ndathi was replaced by Albert Musasia from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in what Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said were changes to improve service delivery.

Kajwang� had been at war with Ndathi over the issuing of the permits to the church missionaries.

During the exchange of letters at the Immigration, in both cases, Kajwang� responded: “I have noted the comments of DIS. I have interviewed the applicant. I hereby grant a further two years work permit.”

But responding to the claims Kajwang� denied any wrongdoing and said he had always acted within the law.

He also denied allegations that he was involved in corrupt deals. According to him, the law gave the Immigration minister “appellate powers” to review applications that had been rejected and overturn the verdict.

But Kajwang� challenged those making the claims of corruption saying he would resign if incontrovertible evidence was tabled.

The minister said he overlooked the advice of his Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Kisombe and Ndathi in granting work permits to eight members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints “because I saw no reason to deny them entry”.

“The application was from church missionaries who wanted to come to Kenya to preach and support some development activities in the country. I have a soft spot for people who preach,” Kajwang� said.

Kajwang could not be reached for comment. His aide said he was in the Ukraine on official assignment.

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API/Source.standard.ke