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Eddy Njoroge response to graft claims

I wish to state the following.

Early in 2003, I was approached to take up a job within the Government.  My first reaction was no because I felt that I could not work in the Public Sector.  After a lot of soul searching and consultation I finally agreed because I was convinced that after working for 28 years in Private Sector, 26 of which was running my own businesses, I could perhaps contribute to the much needed change in our country.

I was subsequently appointed as Managing Director of KenGen on 26th March 2003. I did not, repeat NOT, agree to take the job to make money, but to make a difference to this institution and to the sector.  This has never changed and I hope I have made some difference to KenGen.

God, and through Jesus Christ, who I profess to be my personal Saviour, is my witness.  I have never made a single shilling over and above my salary from this office. Indeed, I would want to confess publicly that on more than one occasion, some people have come to my office with unbecoming overtures, and I have thrown them out.  So strict am I on this principle that even all the Christmas gifts that I receive every year are auctioned and the proceeds donated to charity.

There are two major distinctions that I would want to make here.  Eddy Njoroge is not KenGen and KenGen is not Eddy Njoroge.  There may be a perception that the two are synonymous but they are two distinct legal entities.  The fact that KACC may be investigating an issue in KenGen does not mean that they are investigating Eddy Njoroge.

I am only aware of one case touching on KenGen which is being investigated by KACC.  This has to do with the extension of contract for drilling 15 wells at Olkaria.  KACC wrote to me on 24th November 2008 and we responded with a full dossier on 22nd December 2008.  I met with an official of KACC on 18th February 2009 to substantiate our response, and since then I have heard nothing from them. I wrote to KACC again on 22nd May 2009 (a copy of which I can share with you) asking how far they have gone with this investigation and requesting a quick investigation.  So far, there has been no response.  Could I have been pushing them to complete investigations knowing that I am guilty?

The other distinction I would want to make is that of Accountability versus Responsibility.  As the CEO, I am accountable for everything that happens at KenGen but this does not mean that I am necessarily responsible for everything that may happen.  KenGen has 1,580 employees who are all responsible for various roles and functions.  If one of these staff members does something which is corrupt in nature, I may be ultimately accountable, but not necessarily responsible for the act.  This goes to re-emphasise the point that an investigation in KenGen could be targeted at somebody else other than me.  Indeed, I could have called for the investigation myself as I have done recently.

Finally, I wish to state that I have suffered great personal agony by joining the Public service.  Being accused of corruption is really the limit for me.  The one value I hold dearly is that of integrity.

 I have been at the forefront in the fight against corruption both here and within the country.  This war will not be won by tarnishing people\’s character and name but by focussing on real issues.

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I would want to challenge KACC to come out and confirm whether or not they are investigating me as a person and if so, about what. I also would want to challenge any Kenyan or foreigner who knows of any corrupt dealings by me to pass on the information to the relevant authorities.

(Mr Njoroge is the MD – Kenya Electricity Generating Company)

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