Lawyer Cliff Ombeta has stated that the Businesswoman involved in the Ksh17 billion fuel saga Ann Njoroge will not be appearing before the National Assembly Energy Committee for questioning.
Njoroge was expected to appear before the committee on Wednesday, November 22, in the afternoon for further probing into the fuel importation deal.
However, through her lawyer Cliff Ombeta, Ann Njoroge wrote to the committee explaining that she was ill and immobile and therefore could not show up.
Further, the businesswoman asked to be issued with a later date to appear for questioning noting that she needed more time to heal.
Ombeta also stated that he would not disclose any further information about the illness.
Notably, Njeri was expected to provide details of her ownership of the fuel consignment and its origin.
Also Read: Ann Njeri Ropes in Sudi, Other Top Govt Officials in Ksh 17B Oil Saga
Ombeta Speaks on DCI Summoning Ann Njoroge
on the other hand, Ombeta stated that Ann Njoroge would not be honoring summons by the Directorate of criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to the city lawyer, Njeri feared for her life because the last time she appeared before the sleuths, she mysteriously disappeared.
“Also, we will not honor the summons by the DCI. They cannot be calling us through other lawyers and telling us to go.
“They need to get a formal summon and make it clear. You know the last time she appeared, she mysteriously disappeared. We are afraid that they will do harm to her. At this moment, she is fearing for her life,” he stated.
Also Read: Raila Demands Resignation and Prosecution of Two Cabinet Secretaries
Details of the Ksh17 Billion Fuel Saga
The businesswoman has laid claim to the Ksh17 billion fuel consignment which was reported to have been held at the port of Mombasa.
She resurfaced on Tuesday, November 14, after days of being reported missing shortly after an interrogation with the DCI.
Speaking to a local media station on Sunday, November 19, Njeri roped in Kapsaret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi in the case revealing that she met the MP while being interrogated by Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
In addition, she lamented that the meeting with Chirchir took place when the Ksh17.2 billion fuel consignment, which she claimed ownership of, was held at the port of Mombasa.
KPA Issues Statement on the Case
In response to claims by Njeri, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) stated that the ship was carrying over 93 metric tons of gasoline and had docked in Mombasa after a 10-days voyage.
Further, KPA noted that part of the fuel in freight was destined for Kenya while the rest was destined for countries within the East African region including Uganda and South Sudan.
The ports authority also pointed out inconsistencies in Njeri’s story including the dates of departure and arrival in Mombasa.
As per the rejoinder statement, the ship in question had been loaded with the oil between September 26 and 28 and arrived in Mombasa on October 11.
