Echesa threatens to sue Media on Pakistani dancers saga

Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa (pictured) has denied involvement in the issuance of work permits to eight Pakistani belly dancers or any association with human trafficking.

“The only role played by the Sports ministry was to support the the Pakistani nationals’ application for special passes to participate in an Indian cultural festival via issuance of a ‘Letter of No Objection’ to the Director of Immigration as part of the ministry’s mandate in promoting cultural integration,” Echesa said in a statement sent to newsrooms yesterday.

The CS said he took the action based on the long standing bilateral agreement on cultural exchange between Kenya and Pakistan for cooperation and exchange in art, culture and music.

The CS said his ministry routinely supports such applications whenever it deems appropriate.

“It is then incumbent upon the department of immigration to consider any such application on their own merit after conducting due diligence and if they meet legal requirements as prescribed by law," said the CS.

Echesa said he was irked by reports portraying his office and himself as engaging in a criminal and immoral enterprise of human trafficking.

“The article further portrays me as usurping the power of the Director of Immigration contrary to the law. Such portrayal has the potential of diminishing my good standing in society and is greatly injurious to my character and reputation,” Echesa said.

He clarified that his ministry does not issue visas or work permits to foreign nationals entering the country and is not involved in assessing the reasons for entry or activities undertaken by the foreigners.