Former Kiambu Governor and ICT Cabinet Secretary nominee William Kabogo has refuted long-standing allegations linking him to drug trafficking.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Vetting on Tuesday, January 14, Kabogo addressed the accusations that have followed him since the late George Saitoti, then Minister for Internal Security, implicated several MPs in drug-related activities.

“I have never dealt with drugs of any kind in my life,” Kabogo stated.

He continued “I urge Kenyans to review the dossier that the late George Saitoti presented to Parliament. It’s a document that wouldn’t even pass as a credible script for Inspector Mwala.”

Additionally, Kabogo dismissed the allegations as baseless, emphasizing that the only “drug” he has ever used or carried is Panadol.

He recounted how he opposed the inclusion of his name in the dossier at the time, noting that parliamentary rules required a substantive motion to discuss an MP’s conduct.

However, Despite his objections, the accusations were tabled without such a motion.

He further clarified that investigations conducted by the police shortly afterward cleared his name.

“The police conducted a thorough probe and presented a report within a month, concluding that I was not, and had never been, involved in drug trafficking,” Kabogo asserted.

Kabogo also addressed claims that some Kenyans referred to him as “Pablo Escobar,” drawing comparisons to the infamous Colombian drug lord.

Consequently, Kabogo labeled such remarks as unfounded attempts to tarnish his societal reputation.

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The USA 2010 drug dossier naming Kabogo

The controversy dates back to Saitoti’s dramatic revelation in Parliament, where he alleged that, a group of leaders then were actively involved in drug trafficking.

Saitoti stated that former MPs Gideon Mbuvi Sonko (Makadara), Hassan Joho (Kisauni), Assistant Minister Harun Mwau (Kilome), and William Kabogo (Juja) were under investigation for suspected involvement in the narcotics trade.

Saitoti also named Mombasa businessman Ali Punjani as being under scrutiny.

Kabogo later tabled his own dossier in Parliament, allegedly authored by former US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger, which named other individuals.

Michael Ranneberger’s dossier on drug trafficking included Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua.

Wamalwa dismissed the dossier as a politically motivated smear campaign aimed at derailing his 2012 presidential aspirations.

Former Speaker Kenneth Marende ruled that Kabogo’s documents required authentication before being admitted to the House.

Despite the controversies, Kabogo has maintained his innocence, calling for the public to judge him based on verified facts rather than hearsay.

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