Mvurya denies any integrity allegations from Kwale tenure

Trade Cabinet Secretary nominee Salim Mvurya has defended himself from allegations of embezzlement of funds during his two-year stint as the Kwale county boss.

Mvurya who was speaking during his vetting said he is not privy to such claims asserting that no government agency has neither brought forth such cases nor provided evidence that can support it.

“I have not heard from any government institution alleging misappropriation whether it is EACC, DCI, Auditor-General or Controller of Budget,” he said.

“I am not privy to any allegations on my integrity.”

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui had posed the question to the nominee saying it was sent to the committee.

“It was a question that was sent to the committee though it wasn’t submitted in the form of an affidavit as required but you also need to answer because it is a matter of integrity,” Mbui said.

“These people are saying that there have been allegations, accusations and criticisms leveled against you on the matter of corruption with respect to misappropriation of county funds when you served as a governor. There are no details, they are just asking about your view and how you will build public trust and demonstrate that you are capable of dealing and stopping graft in that ministry,” he said.

In a bid to stop counterfeit goods from coming into the country, Mvurya pointed out that if approved, he will introduce an integrated management system to improve efficiency in identifying such goods.

He added his ministry will work closely with the security and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to check on the quality of goods.

“Most of these counterfeit goods come across our borders, we shall with our colleagues in the security and also create awareness and enforce compliance,” he said.