Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa has denied having links with seven men who were arrested for allegedly impersonating President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Sunday Nation, Echesa insisted that he has never engaged in money laundering during his term in office. He also said that he knows nothing about the seven impersonators.
The men reportedly impersonated Uhuru to rob Sameer Africa chairman Naushad Merali Sh10 million in a fraudulent land deal. The suspects are Henry Waswa, Isaac Wajekeche, Gilbert Kirunja, Anthony Wafula, Duncan Muchai, David Luganya, and William Simiyu.
The former boxer said that he has only heard about the impersonators on social media.
“I don’t know those people and I have never met them. I saw the screenshots circulating on social media, but they were fake,” he said, as quoted by Daily Nation.
Echesa’s sacking came after President Kenyatta warned his Cabinet Secretaries against engaging in early campaigns. The Head of State said that he will send packing any member of his team who was going to defy his order.
The former CS, however, feels he is a victim of circumstances. He claimed that he was fired because of his unwavering support for Deputy President William Ruto.
Echesa vowed to stand with Ruto until he ascends to power when that time comes.