KENYA : Hon. William Kabogo, nominated as ICT Cabinet Secretary, has firmly dismissed past allegations of involvement in drug trafficking, describing them as politically motivated and baseless.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Kabogo stated that he has faced the accusation for several years, despite being wrongly accused.
"I have dealt with this subject ever since 2010. It's amazing that the said dossier was given to a comedian, Inspekta Mwala, not Parliament. I fought vigorously in this House against the tabling of the dossier without the leave of this House. The police investigated and found I was never involved. I was never a driver of Hon. Mwau as the dossier alleged." Kabogo says.
Kabogo further revealed that he took legal action against the Standard newspaper and journalist Mohammed Ali, obtaining justice after nine years in form of compensation.
Vetting of Hon William Kabogo, Cabinet Secretary Nominee for ICT and Digital Economy is currently underway at the County Hall, Mini Chambers in Parliament Buildings.
The former Kiambu Governor is the second CS nominee to appear before the National Assembly's Committee on Appointments, chaired by Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula.
Hon. Kabogo, previously represented Juja Constituency as a Member of Parliament.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Punjab University in India.
Agriculture and Livestock Development CS nominee Mutahi Kagwe was the first nominee to appear for vetting on Tuesday.
During vetting Kagwe responded to various questions raised by the vetting Committee chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula as he also laid out his plan for the Ministry, should he be approved.
Kagwe said that the national livestock vaccination exercise will remain voluntary should he be approved.
Kagwe who spoke on Tuesday, when he appeared for vetting said that the cows and goats belong to people, not the government, and therefore, no one will be forced.
“The point of the matter is that the cow belongs to an individual, not government. The goat belongs to an individual, not the government. The matter is simple. Here is a vaccine for foot and mouth disease. You have a goat. Do you want the goat to be vaccinated? You say yes, we vaccinate. You say no, we don’t vaccinate,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary nominee, however, noted that the government will sensitize all stakeholders on the reasons as to why the government is undertaking the vaccination process.
He said that part of the sensitization will also include details of where the vaccine is produced and its benefits.
“My understanding is that the whole vaccination process is to address two diseases, PPR and Foot and mouth disease. The most important thing is to involve all stakeholders and say it’s a vaccine made by Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (Kevevapi) and it is for this and this purpose.”
