Hassan Joho Clears the Air on Drug Baron Allegations During Vetting

Hassan Ali Joho, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, has firmly addressed long-standing accusations linking him to drug trafficking. During his vetting session before the Committee on Appointments on Sunday, Joho vigorously defended his reputation, reiterating his stance that his wealth is derived from legitimate business endeavors, not illegal activities.

Joho’s appearance before the committee was marked by a strong rebuttal of claims that have plagued his public image for over a decade. The allegations date back to 2010, when a report from the US Embassy listed him among several individuals purportedly involved in drug trafficking in Kenya. This report, cited in Parliament by the then-Internal Security Minister George Saitoti, had a significant impact on Joho’s political career and public perception.

In his defense, Joho underscored that the report in question was part of a broader international investigation involving multiple agencies. “The late Minister Saitoti returned to Parliament with a follow-up report after the investigation, which confirmed that no evidence was found against me,” Joho stated. He emphasized that the initial allegations had been thoroughly investigated and debunked.

Joho expressed frustration at the persistent nature of the accusations. “I am not a fool; I come from a family that is blessed with legitimate businesses,” he said. “My wealth has been accrued through clean and transparent business practices.” He urged the committee and the public to focus on the conclusive findings of the investigation that cleared him rather than the outdated allegations.

The former Mombasa Governor also took the opportunity to address misconceptions about his family’s business ventures. Recent rumors suggested that his family was involved in the jewelry business, a claim Joho vehemently denied. “My family is not in the jewelry business,” he clarified. “We are engaged in logistics, real estate, and trading. Our businesses are in the service industry and are completely independent of government dealings.”

Joho’s remarks aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of his family’s business activities, countering any lingering doubts about their integrity. He reassured the committee that his family’s enterprises are strictly private and have never sought nor will seek any government contracts or favors.

The CS nominee’s insistence on the legitimacy of his business dealings and the transparency of the investigation process reflects his commitment to clearing his name and focusing on his new role if confirmed. Joho’s statement marks a significant step in addressing and potentially putting to rest the controversy surrounding his past, as he prepares to embark on his tenure as the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.

As the vetting process continues, Joho’s responses will be closely scrutinized, and the committee’s final decision will likely be influenced by his ability to effectively address and disprove the historical claims against him. With his candid defense and clarity on his family’s business operations, Joho aims to move forward with a renewed focus on his proposed role in Kenya’s government.