Outgoing Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete has been urged to facilitate release of a flamboyant Kenyan businessman who has remained in an Arusha jail since 2013 over money laundering and fraud allegations.
Mr Don Bosco Gichana was arrested in Arusha following a request by United States of America to face money laundering charges but he has remained in detention, with Tanzania failing to extradite him to the US to face the charges for anonymous reasons.
Gusii leaders led by Kiogoro MCA Samuel Apoko now wants President Kikwete to order the release of Mr Gichana before he exits office.
“Kikwete is leaving office and he has failed to heed to our calls. We have tried to approach the government with no positive results. We plead with the president to order for his release before he leaves office. That will be an honour to Gusii people,” he said.
They faulted the Kenyan embassy for failing to intervene and have the matter settled despite having sent delegations to Dar es Salaam several times.
“The Kenyan embassy in Tanzania has remained mum on the issue just like the Kenyan government here. We have tried to inform them but they seem disinterested. We still believe diplomacy can work and that is what we want President Kikwete to do,” said Chitago-Borabu, MCA Albert Oino.
The leaders claimed that they booked an appointment with President Kikwete during his visit in the country through Dogoretti North MP Simba Arati and hoped the journey to Tanzanian to bargain his release will be successful.
“We are happy that Mr Arati managed to book an appointment with President Kikwete and we will be travelling to Tanzania to see if he can be released. We need government to work with us,” added Mr Apoko.