Monica Kimani’s father Paul Ngarama addressed allegations about his daughter's relationship with South Sudanese politician and former warlord Daniel Awet Akot.
Bishop Ngarama refuted allegations that Monica was married to Mr Akot but admitted that the politician was “very close” to the family.
Close relatives and friends had claimed that the deceased was in a relationship with the politician and it is through this connection that the family’s fortunes have improved over the past three years.
Reports revealed that Akot, who was then governor, liked her so much that she rose through the ranks in his office.
Akot was appointed by John Garang, who was his friend as one of the 11 alternate members of the SPLA Political-Military High Command, making him one of the most powerful military commanders.
When Lt-Gen (rtd) Akot became the Deputy Speaker in the National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, he moved to Juba with his family and he also moved with Ms Kimani who, at the time, was not working in his office.
It was reported that the family business dealt with courier services between Kenya and Sudan but Monica started stocking the premises with beauty products, especially from Kenya and Uganda.
“Gradually, the business grew and then she started her own interior design business in 2017 and won contracts from government offices and other private organisations with the help of Mr Akot’s connections,” a family friend revealed.
Within two years, Monica had bought properties in Nairobi, Ruiru and Syokimau and also bought her mother a car and had already ordered one for her father.
“She used to travel to Kenya at least twice a month because she had properties in Nairobi, and also to check on Mr Akot’s properties in Nairobi’s Kilimani and Kileleshwa areas,” another family member was quoted stating.
Her friends in Juba believed that Monica may have travelled to Kenya on Wednesday 19 with a large amount of money because Kenyan banks operating in Juba usually take time to clear each transaction.
An unnamed person also claimed that despite tough laws restricting the movement of money, Mr Akot used his influence to facilitate her travel.
