http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/health-ministry-praises-bat-bribes-expose
THE Health ministry has commended the BBC for exposing alleged bribery by British American Tobacco.
In a joint statement with the Tobacco Control Board yesterday, the ministry said the investigative report confirmed fears of “unethical and illegal” activities in the tobacco industry.
Two weeks ago, the BBC Panorama Programme reported that BAT paid bribes to African government officials, including then Trade minister Moses Wetang’ula in 2012, to undermine the global anti-smoking treaty.
It said the bribes were paid by BAT employee Paul Hopkins and a whistleblower.
“We commend the BBC programme for their interest in investigating the industry and their willingness to share their findings and facts as they found them,” the statement read.
“The revelation explains why and how the board has continued to encounter hurdles in implementing tobacco control measures to protect public health.”
The statement was signed by TCB chair Peter Odhiambo and secretary Kepha Ombacho.
They called for the report to be taken seriously, “bearing in mind that Kenya Tobacco Control Act 2007 took more than 13 years to be passed due to intimidation and interference”.
The officials urged Hopkins to reveal all those who were involved in frustrating Kenya’s tobacco control measures.