Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) chief Raila Odinga now says the government is involved in yet another scandal, this one allegedly costing Kenyans Ksh162 billion.

Speaking at Dadra Village in West Ugenya during the burial ceremony of Mama Joyce Aol, who is the mother of veteran journalist David Ohito, Raila stated that SICPA Solutions has pocketed billions of shillings through revenue collected on imports.

The former PM states that the firm – which he says is mandated to monitor the import of counterfeit goods – is currently being investigated for shady deals by the Brazilian government, an issue he claims has led to the impeachment of Brazil’s president.

Raila, who has over the past few months blown the lid on numerous graft scandals in the country, says that the activities of SICPA Solutions indicate that another mega scandal is waiting to happen.

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Nominated MP Oburu Odinga echoed Raila’s remarks, adding that it was peculiar that the Government would pay an international firm to carry out duties that local authorities have been mandated with.

Specifically, Oburu pointed out that Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and Kenya Counterfeit Forensic Authority (KCFA) were carrying out the same role as SICPA Solutions.

Dr Oburu accused the government of working hard to bury the skeletons of the emerging scandal, adding that state officials were busy doctoring reports about the company.

The burial was attended by Mama Ida Odinga, Police Spokesman Charles Owino, Siaya Senator James Orengo, governor Cornel Rasanga, MPs Opiyo Wandayi and David Ochieng among others.

Written by Joy Chelagat, reporting by Lillian Osiema