Salim Swaleh, the former Director of Press Services for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, released a heart-wrenching video message on Monday, pleading for forgiveness.
In the video, Swaleh spoke about his many struggles and regrets amid the upheaval caused by a scandal and legal troubles that have significantly disrupted his life.
“Your Excellency, you have been my father figure for the longest time,” Swaleh said, addressing Dr Mudavadi. “We have built an unmatched trust between us, and for the last one and a half years, I have served you… with zeal. I broke the trust, and I’m so sorry about it. I’m truly remorseful.”
The journalist, who was arrested on June 22 on fraud allegations, admitted he was so overwhelmed by the ensuing media coverage and public scrutiny that he contemplated committing suicide.
Swaleh, together with four other accused persons, is said to have conspired to defraud Sh5.8 million from an engineering consultancy between June 4 and June 22, at Dr Mudavadi’s office in Nairobi.
According to the charge sheet, the accused persons falsely claimed that they could help the company secure a tender for the construction of two stadiums in the country.
“The five jointly with others not before the court conspired to defraud $45,000 equivalent to Sh5.8 million from an engineering consultancy company, by falsely pretending that they were in a position to secure tender for construction of two stadiums in Kenya,” reads the charge sheet.
Strategic Communications Secretary Peter Warutere confirmed that Swaleh’s arrest was part of a broader crackdown on a network of fraudsters and corrupt officials.
“A cabal of fraudsters and government officials who facilitated their operations at OPCS-MFDA (The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary & Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs) at the Kenya Railways building were arrested yesterday,” Warutere told journalists.
Further investigations revealed that the group had been impersonating VIPs and government officials to extract bribes from foreigners seeking favours.
The scheme involved “renting” office space to criminals and replacing office nameplates with fake ones. The fraud was uncovered through intensive surveillance following a security tip-off.
In the aftermath of his arrest, Swaleh claims to be facing financial struggles after his salary was stopped, even as his monthly bills continue to pile up.
“It’s end month, bills are piling up, salary stopped abruptly; I have loans, please find it in your heart to forgive me,” he pleaded.
The journalist’s financial troubles are made worse by the stigma surrounding his case, which he believes is making it hard for him to find new employment.
Prior to his appointment as Director of Press Services in January 2023, Swaleh, who has worked with various local media houses, was the head of communications in Nakuru County.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
