Nairobi, Kenya – Businesswoman at the core of the controversial KSh 17 billion oil, Ann Njeri, failed to show up before the National Assembly Energy Committee for questioning as required on Wednesday, November 22.
Speaking before the committee, Njeri’s lawyers said that their client was sick and immobile and would appear before the committee at a later date.
“It is with humble regret that our client Ms Ann Njeri Njoroge of Ann’s Import and Exports Enterprises Limited will not be able to make it for the invitation to meet the departmental committee on energy regarding the disputed oil consignment as she is indisposed and immobile,” read the letter from Diro Advocates to the National Assembly Clerk in part.
Ksh17b oil controversy:
Ann Njeri fails to appear before parliamentary team. His lawyers told MPs Njeri is sick and unable to walk. Njeri maintains the ksh17b oil belongs to her #CitizenBriefs @Wycliffeorandi pic.twitter.com/wG62WX6X4R
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) November 22, 2023
The energy committee told Njeri’s lawyers that if their client does not show up on a later date, she will be summoned to appear before the committee.
Legislators on November 17, 2023, wrote a letter to Njeri to appear before the committee to provide details on the oil importation scandal, including proof of documentation.
What MPs expected from Ann Njeri
While addressing the committee on Wednesday, Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya insisted on getting to the root course of the controversy.
“We owe to Kenyans to know the truth. We do not read it in good faith that she decided to disappear,” said Kawaya.
The embattled business lady was to explain to the committee the source of the multi-billion oil consignment and its intended destination.
Other details the lawmakers expected from Njeri include the ownership of the consignment, with proof of documentation to support her claim.
Njeri has been in the headlines for the controversial KSh 17 billion oil consignment, which the government claims belongs to the Galana oil company.
Njeri disappeared after recording a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and later surfaced at the Mombasa Port.
Her family maintained that they have genuine documents showing that she imported the fuel under Ann’s Export and Import Entreprises, for export to Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.
Raila flags government over KSh 17 billion oil import
However, Energy CS Davis Chirchir maintained that the company is not registered to operate as a petroleum import firm.
This followed a report by the opposition leader Raila Odinga castigating the government for hiding details of the controversial consignment.
Raila said CS Chirchir and his Treasury counterpart Njuguna Ndung’u should resign from their roles and explain to Kenyans where the KSh 17 billion withdrawn from the Treasury went.
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