The Kenyatta Family: A Legacy of Wealth and Secrecy

The Kenyatta Legacy: From Independence to Offshore Havens

Jomo Kenyatta: The Founding Father

Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, was a pivotal figure in the country's independence movement. He was imprisoned by the British colonial regime for eight years before being released in 1960. He became prime minister in 1962 and president in 1964. His wealth grew significantly through the acquisition of land previously owned by European settlers.

The Lancaster House Conference

The Lancaster House Conference in 1962 addressed the land question in Kenya, with an agreement to purchase land from white settlers. However, this agreement failed to address the needs of thousands of Kenyan families who remained dispossessed and impoverished.

The Kenyatta Family's Rise to Power

Jomo Kenyatta's wealth continued to grow, and his family became increasingly influential in Kenyan politics and business. His wife, Ngena Kenyatta, known as Mama Ngina Kenyatta, was involved in controversial deals during her time as first lady.

The Moi Era and the Kenyatta Family's Consolidation of Wealth

After Jomo Kenyatta's death in 1978, Daniel Arap Moi became president. The Kenyatta family remained influential during Moi's 24-year rule, consolidating their wealth and staying out of the spotlight.

Uhuru Kenyatta's Entry into Politics

In 2002, Uhuru Kenyatta, Mama Ngina's oldest son, entered Kenyan politics, running to succeed President Moi. The family's involvement in offshore secrecy jurisdictions began around this time.

The Pandora Papers: Unveiling the Kenyatta Family's Offshore Network

The Pandora Papers Leak

The Pandora Papers, a massive leak of confidential documents, revealed a network of secretive offshore companies belonging to members of the Kenyatta family. These documents shed light on their extensive wealth and investments in secrecy jurisdictions.

Offshore Entities and Secrecy

The Pandora Papers detailed the Kenyatta family's ownership of an expensive home in the UK and an investment portfolio worth over $30 million. The investigation found no evidence of corruption, but it did reveal the family's use of offshore locations for at least a decade.

The Kenyatta Family's Business Interests

The Kenyatta family is a wealthy group with holdings in various sectors of Kenya's economy, including the dairy industry and banking. Their foray into offshore networks raises questions about their motivations for seeking global secrecy.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Network: A Web of Companies and Foundations

Millrun International

Incorporated in 1999 in the British Virgin Islands, Millrun International was owned by Christina Pratt, Yokabe Modama, and their mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta. The company purchased a property in London for £280,000, which is now estimated to be worth almost £1 million.

Valberg International Incorporated

In 2004, the Kenyatta women transferred their shares in Millrun International to Valberg International Incorporated, a new entity based in Panama. Valberg Foundation in Panama then owned Millrun International, which in turn owned the London property.

Maclay Foundation

In 2007, Maclay Foundation was incorporated in Panama, with shares split evenly between Valberg Foundation and Maclay Foundation. Both foundations had nominee directors, creating a complex web of secrecy.

Panamanian Foundations and Secrecy

Panamanian foundations allow donors and recipients of money to be the same individuals, facilitating secrecy and tax avoidance. This structure differs from traditional companies, which are required to register and produce accounts.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The Kenyatta family's involvement in offshore secrecy jurisdictions began around the time of Kenya's political transition in 2002. The Pandora Papers reveal a complex web of companies, trusts, and foundations owned by family members in secrecy jurisdictions, including Panama and the British Virgin Islands.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The family's use of secrecy jurisdictions during this period of political instability is a pattern observed in other regions facing similar challenges. People often turn to secrecy jurisdictions to protect their wealth during times of turmoil.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The Kenyatta family's offshore activities raise questions about their motivations for seeking secrecy and the potential implications for transparency and accountability in Kenya.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

Varis Foundation

In 2003, with the help of Swiss bank UBP and Panamanian law firm Alcogal, an entity called Varis Foundation was set up in Panama. Mama Ngina Kenyatta was listed as the first beneficiary, with President Uhuru Kenyatta as the second beneficiary.

Kressel Foundation

Two weeks after Varis Foundation was established, Kressel Foundation was set up using the same nominees. The first beneficiary was listed as Muhoho Kenyatta, with his son Jomo Kamau Muhoho Kenyatta as the second beneficiary.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The Kenyatta family's use of secrecy jurisdictions during this period of political transition is a pattern observed in other regions facing similar challenges. People often turn to secrecy jurisdictions to protect their wealth during times of turmoil.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

Tax Avoidance

The Kenyatta family's use of offshore jurisdictions raises concerns about tax avoidance. By hiding their wealth in secrecy jurisdictions, they may be avoiding paying taxes in Kenya, which could have a negative impact on the country's economy.

Lack of Transparency

The Kenyatta family's offshore activities raise questions about transparency and accountability. Their use of secrecy jurisdictions makes it difficult to track their wealth and investments, which could be used for illicit purposes.

Potential for Corruption

The Kenyatta family's use of offshore jurisdictions raises concerns about the potential for corruption. By hiding their wealth in secrecy jurisdictions, they may be able to engage in illicit activities without being detected.

Impact on Kenyan Society

The Kenyatta family's offshore activities have a significant impact on Kenyan society. Their wealth and influence have contributed to inequality and a lack of opportunity for many Kenyans.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The Kenyatta family's use of secrecy jurisdictions during this period of political transition is a pattern observed in other regions facing similar challenges. People often turn to secrecy jurisdictions to protect their wealth during times of turmoil.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The Kenyatta family's offshore activities raise questions about their motivations for seeking secrecy and the potential implications for transparency and accountability in Kenya.

The Kenyatta Family's Offshore Activities: A Pattern of Secrecy

The Kenyatta family's offshore activities have a significant impact on Kenyan society. Their wealth and influence have contributed to inequality and a lack of opportunity for many Kenyans.

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