Salim Swaleh, the Director of the Press Service at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS), became emotional while making a plea for assistance in a video that gained widespread attention on Sunday evening.
Swaleh disclosed that his life has been profoundly affected since the scandal emerged in June, rendering it challenging for him to leave his home for even a brief walk.
He also mentioned that the extortion attempts against him, involving both lawyers and police officers, have intensified, while the legal proceedings against him are progressing at a sluggish pace.
“Good morning your excellency, I hope this video finds you well. I decided to record this video because I have looked for you for the last couple of weeks but I could not reach you. I send several people to talk to you but I have not received any feedback
“Your excellency, you know you have been my father figure for the longest time that I have known you. We have built an unmatched trust between us and for the last one and half years, I served you with unmatched zeal. I broke the trust, I did and I am so sorry about it. I am truly remorseful about it and the last one month has been so difficult for me,” he said.
In June of this year, Swaleh, along with several senior officials from the ministry, was apprehended on charges related to a Ksh 5.8 million scandal.
They faced allegations of leasing their offices to unscrupulous business individuals for the purpose of conducting illicit activities.
According to a statement from Mudavadi’s office, these officials had become skilled in the illegal trade, which included the practice of swapping nameplates on doors to mislead unsuspecting victims.
Since the incident, Swaleh has reported that his salary has been halted, which has adversely impacted his ability to repay loans and manage other financial obligations.
Consequently, Swaleh has requested that the case be expedited so that he may proceed with his life.
“I lost everything in a blink of an eye but moreso the court process. Every time we go there, everybody is on my neck, lawyers are on my neck, police are on my neck and everybody is extorting me left, right and center. They think I have a lot of money,” he added.
