Military denies role in sugar smuggling

Kenya Defence Forces spokesperson person Colonel David Obonyo after a press conference. Col Obonyo said the military cannot do business with Al-Shabaab. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • According to the report, high ranking officials control the network that manages the illicit transactions from Kismayu to the border, and then into the country, collecting taxes at each point.

The military has once again denied involvement in illicit charcoal trade and sugar smuggling in Somalia.

A new report released by a lobby group, Journalists for Justice, titled Black and White: Kenya’s Criminal Racket in Somalia, accuses the top brass of the Kenya Defence Forces of complicity in the illegal trade that also funds Al-Shabaab terrorists.

The KDF, which is fighting the militia, has denied numerous allegations of war profiteering since invading Somalia in 2011.

Reacting to the fresh allegations on Thursday, KDF spokesman, Colonel David Obonyo, said the military cannot do business with its enemies.

“Those releasing the report can say whatever they want. They have said it many times. KDF is not involved in charcoal or sugar business. Those who allege to have done investigations must appreciate that the Somalia coastline is 3,300 kilometres long and that KDF is only deployed on a 150-kilometre stretch. Somali authorities themselves appreciate that there are so many makeshift ports that are not policed,” said Col Obonyo.

According to the report, high ranking officials control the network that manages the illicit transactions from Kismayu to the border, and then into the country, collecting taxes at each point.

“The KDF network enjoys the protection and cooperation of senior political and military figures. It collects up to Sh5 billion ($50 million) a year in illicit taxes on charcoal and sugar,” reads the report.

“We are talking of generals and brigadiers,” said Mr Kwamchetsi Makokha, while releasing the report on Thursday at the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi.