Maraga slams government over billions diverted to Swiss accounts

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called on the Kenya Kwanza administration to provide a comprehensive explanation following revelations that billions of shillings collected from foreign visitors were deposited in Swiss bank accounts.

His remarks come after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura acknowledged that the funds generated through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system had been redirected to the overseas accounts.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Maraga questioned who authorized the transfer of public funds abroad and demanded accountability from those responsible.

Maraga condemned the move as unconstitutional, asserting that all revenue collected by the government is, by law, required to be deposited into the Consolidated Fund.

"It is truly disturbing to read the statement issued yesterday by the Government Spokesperson, admitting that billions from the eTA programme were transferred to Swiss accounts under the guise of a ‘pilot’ initiative," he said.

He went on to note that this development adds to the long list of scandals in the country’s history—many of which, he lamented, have never been prosecuted—calling it a blatant breach of the Constitution.

Maraga also raised concerns about the individuals behind the deal, questioning who the signatories were and emphasizing the government's apparent lack of transparency.

"When did Parliament approve this so-called pilot project? Why choose Swiss accounts, which are notoriously opaque? Who signed off on this arrangement? What proof do we have that this isn't just another offshore scam meant for personal enrichment? And have the funds now been moved to the Consolidated Fund?" he asked pointedly.

"The lack of transparency and accountability in the way public resources are used is the main reason for the economic difficulties our country faces. The suffering is immediately felt by all, especially the ordinary Kenyan," Maraga wrote.

"Kenya needs a reset of values, vision and an uncompromising rule of law. We must now be fearless in removing political leadership and cartels who do immeasurable and unacceptable harm to Kenyans," he added.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 14, 2025, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura explained that the transactions involving Swiss accounts were part of a trial phase of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) programme.

According to Mwaura, the pilot initiative was carried out as part of a strategic partnership between the Kenyan government and a Swiss firm.

"There was a piloting phase for the ETA programme, which was a collaboration between the Kenyan government and a Swiss company," he said, noting that the trial phase has since concluded.