Leaked Document Reveals How Former Minister Spent Sh103 Million in London

Former Agriculture Minister Dr Sally Kosgei has been accused of having purchased a Sh103 Million property in Europe's city of London through a secret firm registered in Mauritius.

Dr Kosgei allegedly bought the luxury apartment in the United Kingdom during her tenure in the former President Mwai Kibaki's Grand Coalition government.

According to leaked documents in a report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the former Minister channelled money from Kenya to the offshore accounts owned by the Zonrisa Company she allegedly started in Mauritius.

[caption caption="Dr Sally Kosgei"][/caption]

"Kosgei owned her offshore company in April 2001, when she began work as the Cabinet Secretary in the Office of the President, Kosgei’s ownership continued throughout her tenure as one of Kenya’s most powerful politicians," the documents read in part.

Admitting that she indeed owned the London building, Dr Kosgei refuted claims of embezzling government funds.

The former Aldai Member of Parliament (MP) further stated that she purchased the high-end property legally, through proceeds from her 70-hectare flower firm.

"There is no relation whatsoever between the purchase and date of my work in the Office of the President," she contested while speaking to ICIJ.

The report dubbed Paradise Papers has highlighted how the powerful and ultra-rich evade heavy taxation by investing their sums of money in offshore accounts in tax havens such as Mauritius.

The former MP also served during President Daniel Arap Moi's regime as the Head of Public Service. Dr Kosgei is said to have wept bitterly during President Kibaki's swearing-in ceremony due to her loyalty to Moi.

Dr Kosgei had initially sided with President Uhuru Kenyatta but would later declare support for Opposition leader Raila Odinga and join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

[caption caption="Dr Sally Kosgei with former President Daniel Arap Moi"][/caption]