Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1459121,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1459121/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 95,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Chute",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13583,
        "legal_name": "Chute Mohamed Said",
        "slug": "chute-mohamed-said"
    },
    "content": "I would like to categorically state that I was not arrested by EACC on Thursday, 11th June, 2024, as falsely stated by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Spokesperson of the EACC. In respect of my appearance before the EACC on the specified date, I wish to clarify that I was at the EACC offices upon invitation. I believed that the invitation arose from the several complaints I had made to them regarding the misappropriation of funds in Marsabit County. Upon appearance at the EACC alongside my lawyer, I was informed by the investigating officer that the information required of me was related to the ongoing investigation into alleged acts of corruption by the Governor of Marsabit County and not myself. I was asked about approximately Kshs7 million transferred by myself and my spouse to the governor in August 2017, which was before His Excellency Muhammad Ali. I were elected governor and Senator, respectively. I explained that the transfer related to a fundraising event that was held at the Laico Regency Hotel. I was also asked about two fund transfers, as well as two vouchers of Kshs1.4 million and Kshs6.4 million paid to my company by the Marsabit County Government. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is quite concerning that immediately after, the CEO and the spokesperson of the EACC made a false press statement that I had been arrested and was under investigation for conflict of interest and theft of public funds to the tune of Kshs365 million as well as embezzlement of public funds to the tune of Kshs2 billion. At no point was I questioned on any of these matters. I, therefore, challenge the CEO and the spokesperson to make public any evidence contradicting my account. In any case, the statement recorded by myself on the said date could be sufficient evidence. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is my considered view that the CEO's actions are retaliatory and driven by personal vendetta stemming from my remarks during the sitting of the Senate on 26th June 2024, calling for disbursement of the EACC for failing to fulfil its mandate. I will say it again and again. I have instructed my lawyer to institute a legal suit against the CEO and the spokesperson for defamation and character assassination. In the coming days, I will also be seeking an update on the progress of investigation by the EACC into the issues raised in the complaint I submitted to the commission. These complaints date back several years, including the period before I was elected Senator. I thank you."
}