Tokyo Embassy Scandal Haunts Kenya's Ambassador Nominee and Labour Cabinet Secretary Nominee

Strategic Insights -

A vetting process before the National Assembly's Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has brought to the forefront the ghosts of Kenya's Sh1.5 billion Tokyo embassy scandal. Antony Muchiri, the nominee for appointment as Kenya's Ambassador to Ankara, Turkey, and Labour Cabinet Secretary nominee Florence Bore, were grilled over their roles in the scandalous purchase of the embassy building and Ambassador's residence in Tokyo, Japan. Muchiri, who served as Kenya's Ambassador to Libya at the time of the deal, was arrested in 2013 alongside former Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Thuita Mwangi and former charge d'affaires in Japan, Allan Mburu, over the 2009 deal. They were accused of authorising the purchase of the embassy building and residence while aware that a fair market price could have been obtained had proper procurement procedures been followed.

Key Takeaways:

  • Antony Muchiri, nominee for Kenya's Ambassador to Ankara, Turkey, was grilled over his role in the Tokyo embassy scandal, which allegedly saw taxpayers lose over Sh200 million.
  • Muchiri served as Kenya's Ambassador to Libya at the time of the deal and was arrested in 2013 for his alleged involvement in the scandal.
  • Florence Bore, Labour Cabinet Secretary nominee, was questioned over her disputed purchase of a Karen home from Gatanga MP Edward Muriu in 2023.
  • Both Muchiri and Bore denied any wrongdoing and maintained that they followed proper procurement procedures.
  • Muchiri's net worth was declared as Sh86 million, while Bore's net worth was declared as Sh302.6 million.
  • The committee also vetted Ambassador Lucy Kiruthu, nominated to Bangkok, Thailand, and Henry Wambuma (Bujumbura, Burundi).
  • Others slated for vetting include Abdirashid Salat Abdille (Jakarta, Indonesia), Ambassador Joseph Musyoka (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Ambassador Edwin Afande (Vienna, Austria), Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich (Dubai, UAE), and Judy Kiaria Nkumiri (Goma, DRC).

Statistics:

  • Sh1.5 billion: The amount of Japanese yen (about Sh1.5 billion) allegedly spent on the Tokyo embassy building and residence.
  • Sh200 million: The amount taxpayers allegedly lost due to the Tokyo embassy scandal.
  • 2013: The year in which Muchiri was arrested alongside Mwangi and Mburu over the Tokyo embassy scandal.
  • 2009: The year in which the Tokyo embassy deal was made.
  • 2010: The year in which the National Treasury gave authority for the acquisition of the embassy building and residence.
  • Sh86 million: Muchiri's net worth, as declared during the vetting process.
  • Sh302.6 million: Bore's net worth, as declared during the vetting process.
  • Sh10 million: The deposit paid by Bore for the disputed Karen property.

Sources:

  • "Antony Muchiri, Florence Bore grilled over Tokyo embassy scandal" (Standard Media, [no date])
  • "National Assembly's Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations grills Antony Muchiri over Tokyo embassy scandal" (The Star, [no date])
  • "Florence Bore says Muriu reneged on property deal" (Daily Nation, [no date])
  • "Antony Muchiri, Florence Bore to face vetting over Tokyo embassy scandal" (Hapa Kenya, [no date])