PARLIAMENT MUST RE-OPEN GRAND REGENCY PROBE

[job]

How did culprits fingered by the Cockar report escape responsibility?

What is the role of media in misleading public in the war against corruption?


As Parliament resumes business on Tuesday February 23rd, 2010, it is imperative that the findings of the Cockar Judicial Commission Inquiry Report (2008) are debated with possible motion for further action against Trade Minister Amos Kimunya, Central Bank Governor, Njuguna Ndung'u and CBK's Kennedy Abuga.

It is clear that Kenya's mainstream media (especially the Daily Nation and Standard) mislead the nation in one of the most profound ways in recent time regarding probe on the irregular sale and transer of Grand Regency Hotel.

What are MPs going to do about this?

What is ODM going to do about this?

Media coverage on President Kibaki's receipt of the report at the end of November 2008 explicitly stated with certainty (citing inside information) that ex-Finance Minister, Amos Kimunya, had been cleared of any wrong-doing, thus fit to return into the cabinet.

More than a year later, after copies of the Cockar Commission Report became public, it immediately became apparent that
the Cockar Commission in fact did the opposite.

The Cockar report actually found that Amos Kimunya was briefed about what CBK was doing towards the disposal of the Hotel to LAICO but went ahead on 29thApril 2008, to lie to Parliament and the people of Kenya about the true picture on the impending sale of the Hotel to LAICO.

In its conclusion, the Cockar Commission recommended that Kimunya, as the Minister responsible for the affairs of the CBK, must take responsibility for the questionable disposal of the Hotel.

Others reprimanded in the report were CBK's Prof Ndungu and Kennedy Abuga, the prime movers of the transaction which was described as clearly being 'tainted by misrepresentation and deception'

Kenyans need to also start critically reviewing media spins and misrepresentations passing as breaking news - which keep sabotaging the fight against corruption.

True, corruption proceeds often find their way into mainstream media & it's time to call them out each time found.

The Daily Nation and Standard both owe the nation an apology for this unprofessional and unethical mischief. We must not ignore this very important issue. It is very clear that a very crooked press got sanctioned Kimunya, Ndung'u & Abuga, off the hook and saved their jobs.

Parliament must pursue this issue, alongside the Triton (Oil) scandal, during this opportunity of renewed drive against corruption that's slowly gaining momentum.

[nereah]

job,

usijali.

they may get away with it now but hear me good brother: this and other crime against kenyans will one day be accounted for. however long it takes. that i promise you.

[kamalet]

Job

Corruption is not fought by being selective on what you want probed and what should be swept under the carpet. If there is anyone who benefited on the Grand Regency saga, be it the minister or the CBK governor, then they should be prosecuted....parliament has no business discussing corruption! There re many other scandals which unfortunately taint ODM ministers as well as PNU ministers and your demand should be for all. If the scandals are in the PM's office go for him as well!!!

Where you and I part company is the motivation to just select the GR saga!

[tiskie]

Grand Regency was Kibaki's Baby project in exchange for funding for his compaign from Libya why do you imagine Kibaki's foot soldier Amos Kimunya is still in parliament today?


Libyan connection started with two presidents

Published on June 28, 2008, 12:00 am


By Saturday Standard Reporter

The sale of the Grand Regency Hotel to Libyan investors started early 2007. On arrival from a visit to Libya in June 2007, President Kibaki revealed that Libyan investors wanted to buy or build a world-class hotel in Nairobi.

Kibaki had met Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi at Sirte between June 4 and June 6, 2007 accompanied by former Foreign Affairs minister Raphael Tuju, former Trade Minister Mukhisa Kituyi and Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi.

The two nations signed several trade protocols for Libya to invest in Kenya’s energy, hotel and real estate sectors.

The protocol also sought to enable direct flights between Kenya and Libya.

The Presidential Press Service then issued a statement on June 6 2007 expressing Libyan interest in local hotels. It quoted Kibaki as saying: "Indeed, I am glad to note that Libyan investors have expressed interest to invest in our country. Already, the Libyan African Arab Investment Company is now in the process of setting up a five-six Star hotel in Nairobi and a conference centre in Mombasa. We also expect investments in the real estate sector in our capital city, Nairobi. We welcome other Libyan investors to invest in Kenya in the area of their choice."

On the same day Kituyi issued a statement confirming Libya’s interest in local hotels.

Investment declarations

Diplomatic sources indicate a decision to sell the controversial hotel to the Libyan African Arab Investment was discussed during the Sirte visit and followed up in subsequent discussions between Kenyan Foreign Affairs, Trade, Treasury and Judiciary officials.

The trade protocols and declarations of intent to invest in the local hotel industry was signed between Dr Kituyi and Dr Ali Elisaue, Secretary General of Libya’s General People’s Committee for the Economy and Investment. 

Libya diplomatic sources said then that the handover of the hotel e by Pattni to the Government was a ruse to mask the actual sale of the property that took place the year before.

My question to Kenyans is How long with they allow Kibaki and cronies to get away with Corruption in broad daylight? isn't it time Kenyans showed them the door? I say it is time Up... Kenyans must demand end of Impunity!!!

KIBAKI VISITS LIBYA




The President pointed out that the availability of petroleum products at concessional rates would not only sustain and inject additional impetus to the Kenyan economy but also have a direct positive impact on the lives of Kenyans.

He observed that Tamoil has also expressed interest in undertaking the upgrading of the Kenya Oil Refinery and construction of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas import storage and distribution facility in Mombasa, as Kenya prepares to invite tenders for this process.So was there a competitive tender on this or Libya was given outright in exchange for election funding for Kibaki

Besides oil, President Kibaki expressed satisfaction that during his visit Kenya and Libya concluded a framework Agreement establishing a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between the two countries that will oversee a wide range of collaboration in various areas of common interest. Such as the corrupt deal involving the Grand Regency

The President pointed out that already Libyan investors have expressed interest of investing in Kenya, saying the Libyan African Arab Investment Company is now in the process of setting up a 5-6 Star hotel in Nairobi and a Conference Centre in Mombasa.
OOPs!! he sign off the Grand Regency while sharing Githeri and nyama choma with Qaddafi in 2007..
what transpired in 2008 in Nairobi with the Kimunya saga was A dress up and cover-up the GRAND REGENCY HAD ALREADY BEEN SOLD IN 2007 BY KIBAKI AND CRONIES IN NARC!!

www.statehousekenya.go.ke/news/june07/2007060602.htm


www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=8556