Requena Dismisses Allegations Linked to Leaked WhatsApp Message as Baseless

Minister of Rural Transformation Oscar Requena was also asked whether he was the minister alluded to in the leaked WhatsApp message.  In his initial response, Minister Requena described the report as ridiculous, stating that the ministry operates under established procurement procedures and that any suggestion of impropriety was unfounded.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Local Government: “First of all, I want to say that that is total nonsense. Total nonsense. We at the Ministry of Rural Transformation and Local Government are focused on our work. Today is evidence of that. We have a cadre of highly skilled and professional employees, staff who work at our ministry. We have clear oversight from the Ministry of Finance and other development partners. So every operation that we conduct at the Ministry of Rural Transformation is above board and in line with financial regulations. The financial regulations require that we get at least three quotations, you know, and we submit this to our finance officer you know and of course at the end of the day it is our responsibility to ensure that we go where we get value for money you know but it is a standard requirement that we get quotations whether it is the procurement of materials or procurement of works. Benny’s is one of the largest importers and suppliers of materials that are used at our ministry. In the past we have done business with them.”

During the exchange, however, Minister Requena acknowledged that his ministry has conducted business with the named company, a statement that appeared to differ from the Prime Minister’s earlier assertion that no such business had taken place. No further clarification was immediately provided on the apparent discrepancy.  Adding to his statement, Minister Requena said he does not view the circulation of the leaked message as regrettable, maintaining that transparency and accountability are essential in public life.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Local Government: “Let me say to you, it is not regrettable. Information comes out. We have a duty to listen. We have a duty to investigate. And at the end of the day, we have a duty to report and ensure that everything is above board.”

At this time, no official findings of wrongdoing have been announced, and government officials stress that the claims contained in the leaked message remain allegations only./