Former Director of Media Services in the Office of the Chief of Staff, Salim Swaleh, is now seeking forgiveness.
The former news anchor sent a video message expressing his deep regret for breaking the strong trust that had been built over many years.
“Sir, you have been like a father to me for the longest time I’ve known you. We built an unparalleled trust between us, and for the past year and a half that I’ve served you, served your esteemed office, and served you with unmatched dedication, I broke that trust, and I deeply regret it. I am truly sorry for that,” Swaleh said emotionally in the video.
The journalist mentioned that the past few months have been difficult for him, to the point where he has not even been able to leave his house.
He said this was due to the negative publicity he received, and he even contemplated ending his life.
“The past month has been very tough for me. I haven’t been able to step out because of the kind of notoriety I received; everything people said about me just threw me into an unfamiliar place. Many thoughts have been running through my mind, very dark thoughts—sometimes I feel like ending my life,” he said.
Swaleh added that he lost everything quickly, and paying bills has also been a significant challenge for him as they continue to pile up.
The journalist said that his salary was suspended, and he has loans that need to be repaid.
“It’s the end of the month, bills are piling up, salaries have been abruptly stopped, I have loans—please find it in your heart to forgive me,” he said.
He continued, “Secondly, I’m asking for your help to resolve this so that I can pick up the small pieces that remain and see where to start. With the kind of negative publicity I’ve received, it’s nearly impossible to find another place to work. Please have mercy on me.”
According to the charge sheet, Swaleh and four others are accused of conspiring to defraud Ksh5.8 million from a consulting firm.
The crime allegedly occurred on various dates between June 4, 2014, and June 22, 2014, at the Office of the Chief of Staff, specifically within the Director of Media Services’ office, in Nairobi County.
