No raids were carried out at my homes, says Balala

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala (pictured) yesterday denied reports that his homes were raided by anti-graft officers in a Sh100 million contract inquiry.

The CS, however, confirmed that the inquiry was on against his ministry over the handling of the American Society of Travel Agents Expo that took place in Nairobi on Feb 2017.

According to an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) letter obtained by Saturday Standard, Mr Balala is slated to appear before the commission on Monday to clarify a number of issues regarding the deal.

The investigations involve alleged single sourcing of the American Society of Travel Agents to offer unspecified services during expos held in Nairobi two years ago.

“No raids have taken place at my homes as claimed in the newspaper report, the journalist was aware prior to publishing the same report. My legal team is handling the matter,” Balala said in a Tweet.

Later, he sent demand letter to Standard Group which he also posted on his Twitter page denying the raid.

In the letter, Balala’s lawyer denied reports of the raid and said they were not aware of search warrants issued against them.

“Our client is a longstanding public servant... He has also enjoyed the confidence of successive governments from 2002 to date in discharging ministerial duties to this country,” the letter signed by M S Balala for Balala &Abed Advocates said.

On Twitter, Balala also defended the partnership under investigation saying this has seen tourist numbers from USA double. 

“EACC inquiry on the American Society of Travel Agents Expo that took place at KICC in Feb 2017 organised by ASTA - Kenya chapter has been an ongoing process.”