Kibaki did not refuse to see me, says Githongo

Former Ethics and Governance permanent secretary John Githongo has denied claims that he unsuccessfully sought audience with President Kibaki during his recent visit to the country.

At the same time, the self-exiled anti-graft crusader announced that he would visit Kenya again later this month.

In a statement to the media via e-mail, Mr Githongo said reports that he unsuccessfully tried to get audience with President Kibaki were inaccurate.

Some media reports had claimed that Mr Githongo, who met Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka when he visited the country two weeks ago, had also tried to meet President Kibaki, but failed.

Mr Githongo arrived in Kenya on August 19, three years after he fled, claiming his life was in danger for exposing grand corruption in the Narc regime.

Sued for defamation

A statement from Mr Robert Watkinson of Portland International Affairs, which is offering communication services for Mr Githongo, also denied refusing to be served court summons.

“My lawyers have been instructed to act in my absence, and are both able and ready to receive any legal requests. So far, none has been forthcoming,” the former PS said.

Reports had indicated that former Cabinet minister Chris Murungaru’s lawyers tried in vain to serve Mr Githongo court summons when he was in the country.

The former Kieni MP has sued Mr Githongo for defamation after he was allegedly linked to corruption.