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The Nairobian

Kenyan graft suspects banned from travelling to America

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By Brigid Chemweno | Dec 01, 2015

The US government has imposed travel bans on several top State officials implicated in corruption. Ambassador Robert Godec Monday revealed that there is indeed a list of officers banned from travelling to the US.

This comes days after Pope Francis made a passionate plea against corruption, describing it as a “path to death”.

The Pope spoke to an audience that included President Uhuru Kenyatta at a rally in Nairobi to warm applause. Earlier during the Pope’s official reception at State House, President Kenyatta had asked for prayers from Pope Francis in the fight against corruption.

The action by the US is seen as a move to support President Kenyatta’s fight against corruption. However, Mr Godec declined to give the names or the number of those affected, saying it was confidential.

“Corruption is a scourge in Kenya and it is something that all Kenyans must fight against. We welcome President Kenyatta’s commitments and the many actions and activities he is undertaking. It is critically important that there is more progress,” he said. According to sources, Cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and some top parastatal bosses facing corruption charges in court are likely to be on the list.

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Though we could not confirm whether they have been banned from travelling to the US, high profile individuals charged in court include former Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu, who is accused of obstruction of justice, and former Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau, who faces abuse of office charges.

Others are former Planning PS Peter Mangiti and National Youth Service Director General Nelson Githinji, who face charges linked to the Sh695 NYS scandal, Geothermal Development Corporation Managing Director Silas Simiyu and Kenya Pipeline boss Charles Tanui, who are accused of abuse of office charges linked to procurement deals among others.

Godec termed corruption as a huge challenge to everyone in the country, adding that all individuals who have been banned from travelling to the US are facing the consequences of their involvement in the scourge.