Former Kiambu Governor and ICT Cabinet Secretary nominee William Kabogo has categorically refuted longstanding allegations linking him to drug trafficking.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Vetting on Tuesday, January 14, Kabogo addressed accusations that have trailed 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 declared.
He urged Kenyans to scrutinize the dossier presented by the late George Saitoti to Parliament, dismissing it as lacking credibility. “It’s a document that wouldn’t even pass as a credible script for Inspector Mwala,” he remarked.
Kabogo labeled the allegations as baseless, emphasizing that the only “drug” he has ever handled is Panadol. He recounted his opposition to the inclusion of his name in the dossier, explaining that parliamentary rules require a substantive motion to discuss an MP’s conduct. Despite his objections, the accusations were tabled without following due process.
Kabogo further clarified that investigations by the police shortly after the allegations emerged had 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,” he asserted.
Addressing claims that some Kenyans referred to him as “Pablo Escobar,” Kabogo dismissed such comparisons as unfounded attempts to tarnish his reputation.
The 2010 U.S. Drug Dossier Controversy
The allegations date back to George Saitoti’s dramatic revelation in Parliament, where he claimed that several leaders were actively involved in drug trafficking. Saitoti named former MPs Gideon Mbuvi Sonko (Makadara), Hassan Joho (Kisauni), Assistant Minister Harun Mwau (Kilome), and William Kabogo (Juja) as subjects of investigation. He also mentioned Mombasa businessman Ali Punjani as being under scrutiny.
In response, Kabogo tabled his own dossier in Parliament, purportedly authored by former U.S. Ambassador Michael Ranneberger. This document named other individuals, including Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua. However, Wamalwa dismissed the dossier as a politically motivated smear campaign designed to derail 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 consistently maintained his innocence, urging the public to rely on verified facts rather than unsubstantiated claims to judge his character.
