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Jaguar backtracks on threat to resign from Nacada


Musician Charles Kanyi, popularly known as Jaguar, on Monday made an about-turn over his threat to resign as a board member at the National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada).

Early on Monday, the musician had sent out an invitation to  journalists to his press conference whose agenda was highlighted as; “Chronic corruption at Nacada and resignation of Jaguar as a board director at Nacada.”

But at the Press conference, Jaguar instead issued a two-week ultimatum to the Police and the anti-corruption commission to open investigations into fraud at Nacada.

“If they do not do anything to prevent further loss of public funds by corrupt officials at Nacada within the next two weeks, I will have no other option but to resign as a director from the board of directors at Nacada to show my commitment towards supporting the President in his fight against corruption,” he a told press conference on Monday.

BLACK HOLE

Jaguar claimed that Nacada had become ‘black hole’ where funds meant for curbing drug abuse are looted.

He added that as a board member he had noted some irregularities, but when he raised his concerns in meetings he was told ‘to either quit or turn a blind eye and be part.’

Jaguar stated that Nacada’s managers withdrew over Sh500 million without the board’s approval on claims the funds were going towards advocacy against drug abuse.

Musician Jaguar at the press conference. PHOTO | EVELYN MUSAMBI
Musician Jaguar at the press conference. PHOTO | EVELYN MUSAMBI

He singled out the choice of Ernest and Young to oversee the disbursement of  funds to civil societies.

He claimed the deal disregarded an advisory from the Public Procurement Oversight Authority (PPOA) and that the auditing firm failed to provide documentary evidence to support the payment of the money.

“For the few months I have been in the board, I have been able to visit various rehabilitation centres and when I find that they are funding themselves yet the authority is paying non-existent NGOs, I feel like I can do more without necessarily being in a board,” said Jaguar.

START AN NGO

The ‘Huu Mwaka’ singer said he will keep fighting against drug abuse and, should he resign from Nacada’s board, he will start an NGO that will rehabilitate and support drug addicts.

He added that his resignation has nothing to do with his academic qualifications because he has already enrolled for a degree course so that he can understand society better.

Jaguar was the surprise inclusion in the 302 officials named to the 79 state corporations in April this year by President Uhuru.

The anti-drugs agency has been marred by wrangles pitting Chairman John Mututho and a section of the board over alleged fraud involving Sh99 million.