Investment banker John Ngumi, who is currently being investigated for potentially profiting from the controversial sale of Telkom Kenya, has resigned from his position as an independent non-executive director of Kenya Airways, according to an announcement made by the airline on Friday.
Chairman of Kenya Airways’ board of directors, Michael Joseph, subsequently revealed that James David Kabereri has been appointed as an interim replacement for Mr Ngumi until the annual general meeting, taking on the role of an independent non-executive director.
In a statement released on Friday, Mr Joseph stated, “The Board acknowledges the resignation of Mr John Ngumi as an independent non-executive director of the company.”
This marks Ngumi’s second prominent resignation, as he previously stepped down from his positions as board chairman and director of Safaricom in January, after just five months in office.
Mr Ngumi’s departure comes shortly after he sought legal action to prevent the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) from prosecuting him.
Explaining his decision to resign, Mr Ngumi reportedly stated, “I believe that now that the challenging task of stabilizing KQ (Kenya Airways) is starting to yield positive results, it is the appropriate time for others to join and build upon the transformative foundation established by the Board and Management of KQ.”
He further expressed his unwavering belief in the strategic and economic significance of Kenya Airways for the country, expressing confidence that Kenyans will soon recognize and appreciate the critical and invaluable support the airline has received and continues to receive from the government.