By John Ikani
Reactions have continued to trail revelations on the secret wealth of the world’s rich and powerful exposed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
The so-called “Pandora Papers” investigation is a leak of almost 12 million documents that reveals hidden wealth, tax avoidance and, in some cases, money laundering by some of the world’s rich and powerful.
Political opponents of President Uhuru Kenyatta say the multi-million dollar properties as well as stocks and bonds worth over $30m (£22m) that his family reportedly owns in foreign countries, should be liquidated and sent back home to boost the economy.
Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji told the Daily Nation newspaper that his office will probe individuals mentioned in the Pandora Papers “if the documents [will] help unearth crime as a source of funds”.
In Congo-Brazzaville, President Denis Sassou-Nguesso could take legal action after he was named in the leaked documents, French broadcaster RFI reports quoting the Information Minister.
The Pandora Papers said Mr Sassou-Nguesso owned a company that controlled diamond mines in Congo.
The Congolese authorities rejected the claims.
Information Minister Thierry Moungalla has condemned the leaks and said the president could sue media outlets that report on them.
Uganda’s Security Minister, Jim Muhwezi, who was reported to own shares worth millions of dollars in two foreign shell companies, was non-committal when contacted by the Daily Monitor newspaper.
“I don’t know what you are talking about and I can’t make any reply,” Mr Muhwezi was quoted as saying.
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