Former Japan envoy puts record straight on embassy plot

By Stephen Makabila

Former envoy to Japan Dennis Awori has clarified what he presented to the Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Relations Committee on the controversial purchase of the embassy plot in Tokyo.

Mr Awori says he had not indicated the country lost Sh1 billion in the deal. "My statement was based on the sequence of events that transpired up to the time I left Tokyo and it did not include reference to any conspiracy by the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Lands," he said.

Wajir West MP Adan Keynan heads the committee, which Awori met last week.

He was last week quoted as saying the deal was done behind his back between officials at the mission, the Treasury and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said the transactions were done while he was away from Japan.

There have been frosty relations between Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula and the committee over the Sh1.654 billion property deal.

Ministry officials allege Awori’s testimony was untrue.

Positive image

Wetang’ula yesterday complained to the committee that efforts by the ministry to foster foreign investment, securing jobs and scholarships abroad and projecting a positive image of the country had not been appreciated.

Awori had been quoted saying that if it had been his choice, he would not have purchased the premises for more than the valuation figure of 1.09 billion yen (about Ksh1 billion).

He now says in a statement: "What I did say, is that in April 2007, the premises were valued at 1.09 billion yen and between 2007 and 2009 the property prices in Tokyo rose and then fell again to the 2007 levels."

He said he found it necessary to put the record straight due to the sensitivity of the matter.

"I also said I am aware the vendor is not bound by the valuation when setting the price as demonstrated by his refusal to accept to sell the premises to us for that figure in 2007," added Awori.