This archive report was first published on 4 October 2021.
On October 4, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed a report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) known as the Pandora Papers, which linked his family to billions of shillings in tax havens.
Although not comprehensive, the President assured the country that he would issue a detailed response once he returned from a state tour in Barbados.
He noted that the Pandora Papers and subsequent audits would unveil secrets for those who could not explain the sources of their wealth.
"These reports will go a long way in enhancing the financial transparency and openness that we require in Kenya and around the globe," stated the President.
"The movement of illicit funds, proceeds of crime and graft thrive in an environment of secrecy and darkness," he added.
The Pandora Papers linked the Kenyatta family to offshore bank accounts and companies valued at over Ksh3.3 billion.
ICIJ obtained over 12 million leaked files that were perused over by 600 investigative journalists, alleging that the Kenyatta family, led by Mama Ngina Kenyatta, his son Uhuru, and siblings, amassed wealth offshore in Panama and the British Virgin Islands.
At the centre of the purchases and financial transactions was a Panamanian law firm, Aleman, Cordero, Galindo & Lee (Alcogal), whose documents revealed that the first family owned at least seven companies and foundations overseas.
