In a heartfelt video circulating online, Salim Swaleh, the former Director of Press Service at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, has issued a public apology to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi over his involvement in a Sh5.8 million fraud case.
Swaleh, who has been implicated in the scandal, expressed deep regret for his actions, acknowledging that he had betrayed the trust that was placed in him. The apology follows repeated failed attempts by Swaleh to contact Mudavadi directly. In the video, he openly discussed the emotional distress he has experienced since the scandal broke, admitting, “I served you with unmatched zeal, but I broke the trust. I am truly sorry. The last month has been incredibly difficult for me. I’ve been unable to step outside due to the overwhelming publicity surrounding this issue.”
Swaleh also revealed the intense mental and emotional pressure he has faced, confessing that the ongoing legal battles and negative media attention have left him in a state of despair. “I’ve had many dark thoughts. At times, I’ve even considered taking my own life. Everything I had was lost in an instant,” he admitted.
The apology comes in the wake of Swaleh’s arrest alongside other senior officials from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. According to a statement from the ministry, Swaleh and his associates were part of a scheme that defrauded foreigners by impersonating senior government officials or VIPs, offering false promises in exchange for large bribes. This led to a crackdown on corruption within the ministry, culminating in the arrest of several individuals, including Swaleh.
In his closing remarks, Swaleh made a direct appeal to Mudavadi, pleading for his assistance in resolving the legal issues so he could begin to rebuild his life. “Please help me, sir. Thank you,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
