Kenya's Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei steps aside over graft claims

Kenya: Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei steps aside for 60 days to allow investigations into graft implicating him.

The Cabinet Secretary during a press briefing on Saturday at Kilimo House said that he does not know the accusations against him but he is ready to cooperate with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in the investigations.

“I have not been questioned by EACC but I decided to step aside after my name featured in its report,” he said.

“It is the role of every Kenyan to respect the rule of law and uphold the spirit of constitutionalism and as leaders we have to lead by example,” he said.

The minister said he expects to be cleared of any wrongdoing.

"I have said, I expect to be cleared. I am stepping aside for investigations to take place,"

Koskei said he will go to the anti-graft body on Monday to know allegations against him.

The agriculture minister is the first public official to resign after President Uhuru’s directive that all public officials mentioned in graft claims to step aside to allow investigations.