Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary (CS) Simon Chelugui has refuted claims that he was involved in the failed scholarship and immigrant jobs program targeting youth in Eldoret.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 25, Chelugui who served as the Labour CS in the previous administration, rubbished a story published by a local daily stating that he was linked to the job scandal.
According to him, the reporting was one-sided and sensational.
As such, he demanded an apology from the newspaper for what he called an injury to his reputation.
In his statement, Chelugui acknowledged to have been present at a function organized by First Choice Recruitment and Consultancy agency, one of the companies roped in the botched program saga.
According to the statement, First Choice invited him to preside over a ceremony of flagging off over 200 youth to Qatar as the then Labour CS in 2021.
He noted that he was obliged to attend such a function in his capacity, adding that it was a great opportunity for the youth and the country.
However, Chelugui affirmed that his role at the function was limited to just being the Chief guest and guest Speaker.
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“I am particularly dismayed by an attempt by some of the newspapers to drag my name to the alleged fraudulent activities that surrounds the agency, a matter which is in public domain,” her noted.
Chelugui Justifies Attending Function
In addition, Chelugui defended his legacy as the then CS for Labour stating that he managed to streamline the process of sending workers to the Middle East who subsequently brought foreign exchange in return as remittances.
The CS further noted that his leadership helped to rescue Kenyans stranded in the Middle East including Diana Jepkemoi who had elicited a lot of attention from Kenyans.
Nonetheless, Chelugui’s name was dragged to the scandal after a Senate Committee investigating the Uasin Gishu jobs scandal called for investigation of alleged political involvement in the scam that saw Kenyans lose money.
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In a report tabled before the Senate, members of the Committee called for a probe on all state and public officers alleged to have played a part in the now infamous program.
Besides CS Chelugui, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and a businessman were also mentioned over alleged association with the recruiting company.
Senator Mandago who was the governor during the launch of the botched program is already facing charges accusing him of embezzling the over Ksh1 billion funds under the Uasin Gishu Trust Fund.
