Mr Gakunga is reported to be instrumental in the cover-up of proceeds through influence in the Kenya banking system through which most of the proceeds find their way. The Kenyan is a key friend of South Sudan’s top leadership. He has also registered an offshore company in Dubai known as Silwana Diamond General Trading to hide the laundered proceeds
An Energy expert from Kenya Samuel Gakungu is reported to be behind the looting of billions of US dollars from South Sudan through proxy companies, he enjoys a lot of political and business influence in the country. Alongside his Sudanese partners Benjamin Bel Kuol, Kur Ajing and Paul Wani Logali, they are reported to be in control of at least five different companies specialising in oil and military supplies, they operate mostly from the safety of Nairobi in Kenya.
Mr Gakungu is a former board chair of the Kenya National Oil Corporation; he is listed as a shareholder of Equip Logistics Limited which has received several non-bid contracts from the government of South Sudan running into billions of US dollars besides receiving tax exceptions.
The Kenyan national is also reported to have an interest in construction companies registered in South Sudan. The companies he has an interest in together with his partners are Lou Trading and Investment Company, Amuk Trading and Investment, ARC Resources and ABMC Thai South Sudan Construction, others are Winners Construction and Save Nation.
Mr Gakunga belongs to a faction in South Sudanese political circles that was formed during the long war for independence but which has now turned its attention to competing over the control of this newly independent state blessed with billions of dollars from annual oil revenue. There are few checks and balances or transparency on how the oil revenue is spent
Mr Gakunga is reported to be instrumental in the cover-up of proceeds through influence in the Kenya banking system through which most of the proceeds find their way. The Kenyan is a key friend of South Sudan’s top leadership. He has also registered an offshore company in Dubai known as Silwana Diamond General Trading to hide the laundered proceeds.
Sam Gakunga prides himself as a strategic advisor to various organizations that invest mainly in power generation and infrastructure development in the Eastern African region, according to sources; he is one of the main architects of mega corruption engulfing the South Sudanese State House.
Mr Gakunga belongs to a faction in South Sudanese political circles that was formed during the long war for independence but which has now turned its attention to competing over the control of this newly independent state blessed with billions of dollars from annual oil revenue. There are few checks and balances or transparency on how the oil revenue is spent.
During this period, the top leadership in the country and associates has largely captured the State. Instead of providing services, supporting infrastructure, adjudicating disputes and protecting its people, South Sudan’s governing institutions have been hijacked and repurposed for the personal enrichment of leaders and its clique who include some foreigners like Mr Gakunga. Billions of dollars have gone missing and the government has done little for the welfare of its population.
