This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
On July 30th, a container meant to deliver a generous gift from the Chinese National People's Congress to the Kenyan Parliament arrived in Nairobi, but to the surprise of all, it was empty.
The Chinese Embassy in Kenya has expressed its shock and disappointment at the incident, which has left them questioning the integrity of the delivery process.
According to the Embassy, the laptops and computer projectors were meant to be delivered through their office by the end of July, but instead, they found the container empty when it arrived at the Parliament.
‘We were shocked to be notified by the National Assembly that when the container arrived in the parliament yesterday and opened by the officers of the National Assembly, it was empty inside,’ the Chinese Embassy stated.
‘Over the years, the Chinese side has made friendly donations to Kenyan brothers and sisters, including medical apparatus, office equipment, food aid, etc. and they have all been delivered safe and sound. Among them were office equipment donated and delivered to the parliament in 2018. Therefore, this is the first time such a thing has ever happened,’ the statement added.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the empty container, and the lorry that delivered it has been impounded.
