HOUSE TEAMS VOW TO UNEARTH ARTURS’ SAGA
By Benard Onyari
Kenya Times, Kenya
19 Sept 06
PARLIAMENTARY committees investigating the conduct of the two
Armenian brothers have vowed to pursue the probe vigorously as soon
as Parliament reconvenes next month.
The chairman of the committee on Security and Justice Ramadhan Kajembe
said his team was committed to unearthing the truth on the saga.
"One thing Kenyans should be assured of is that we are committed
to give them answers to the questions over the so-called Armenian
brothers. Our quest will commence immediately Parliament reopens,"
he said.
Speaking yesterday, Kajembe however noted that the committees had no
powers to compel individuals to appear before it.
The Armenian brothers have been at the centre of controversy since
their presence in the country came to the limelight in March following
a revelation by Lang’ata MP Raila Odinga.
However, the duo spiritedly defended themselves at various press
conferences, arguing that they were genuine businessmen keen on
investing in real estates and manufacturing among others.
The two committees’, Legal Affairs and Administration of Justice
led by Paul Muite and Kajembe, kicked off their investigations after
the two Armenians caused a stir at the Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport, Nairobi.
The two are alleged to have resisted attempts to have their visitors’
luggage checked by customs officers.
Following the airport security scare, the Armenians snatched the
luggage and after a gun stand-off with security officials, sped off
with the police in hot pursuit.
The brothers are also suspected to have had a hand in the March 2
raid at a media house where computers were carted away, newspapers
burnt and a transmission unit vandalised.
However, following the airport gun drama, the said brothers were
briefly held before they were hurriedly deported.
The conduct of the Armenians then led to the parallel investigations
one led by the former Police Commissioner Shedrack Kiruki and another
by the joint parliamentary watchdogs.
The Kiruki Commission appointed by the President, which has so far
completed its probe and handed over its report, has been termed as
a cover-up in different quarters.
Muite, the Kabete legislator, is on record saying that his team
believed there were influential officials "high up in Government"
who protected the two foreigners.
Among those who have been summoned by the committees are Narc activist,
Mary Wambui and daughter Winfred Wambui, interdicted CID boss Joseph
Kamau and the Commissioner of Police, Hussein Ali.