Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu vows to clear her name over graft allegations

Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu has vowed to clear her name over graft allegations that saw her step aside yesterday.

Ngilu who addressed the press at her offices at Ardhi House said that she is innocent and challenged those with evidence that she has been involved in corrupt deals to come forward and prove their claims. She said that she had been surprised to learn that her name was in the corruption list handed over to Parliament.

"I have decided to heed the President's call and step aside. I have never received a single letter from the CID or the corruption agency. On the day EACC launched their strategic plan, they said they will be very proactive in dealing with issue relating to my ministry. I was therefore very surprised when I heard my name being linked to corruption," she said.

Ngilu who was flanked by hundreds of staff at the Lands Ministry enumerated various achievements during her two year tenure in office.

"Today, Kenyans can walk into any lands office without giving a bribe. That is what I step aside to protect. I must step aside so that we don't lose all the achievements we have attained so far. I urge the public not to be distracted," she said.