Maraga lashes out at state over billions deposited in Swiss accounts

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has sharply criticized the government over allegations that billions of shillings collected through the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program were deposited in Swiss bank accounts.

The condemnation came after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, in a press statement, confirmed that a Swiss company involved in the early rollout of the eTA system received the funds.

Mwaura explained that the decision to channel the money into Swiss accounts was part of the system’s pilot phase, implemented in partnership with the foreign firm.

Mwaura assured the public that, going forward, all collections from the eTA system would be deposited directly into Kenya’s Consolidated Fund.

However, in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Maraga questioned the legality and transparency of the arrangement, accusing the government of violating the Constitution.

 He demanded answers regarding Parliament’s approval of the pilot project, the choice of offshore accounts, and the identities of the signatories involved.

“In a line of many scandals in our history, most of which have never been subjected to the wheels of justice, this is yet another flagrant violation of the Constitution, which requires that all monies collected be deposited in the Consolidated Fund,” said Maraga.

 “When did Parliament approve this pilot? Why offshore Swiss accounts with their record of obscurity? Who are the signatories? What evidence do we have that this is not yet another offshore account scam for personal gain? Have those funds now been transferred to the Consolidated Fund?”

Maraga linked the lack of accountability in public resource management to the economic hardships facing the country, saying it was the ordinary Kenyans who bore the brunt of such decisions.

He urged citizens to take a stand against what he termed as political leadership and elect leaders who uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.