One of the companies involved in the Sh9.3 billion edible oil at the centre of an importation storm is owned by a brother of a Cabinet Secretary, documents in our possession reveal.

Last week, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wrote to the Registrar of Companies requesting information relating to three companies that imported the oil.

“This office is investigating a case involving procurement irregularities whereby the companies featured. To facilitate our investigations, kindly but urgently furnish us with the requested information,” reads the letter.

The companies are, Multi Commerce FZC, Charma Holding Limited and Shehena Commodity Trading Limited.

In the letter, Zachary Kariuki of the DCI Operations Support Unit wants the registrar to provide among other documents, particulars of the directors which should include the names, nationality and ID/ passport numbers.

Other documents required are certified copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association, the current status and history of the companies including details of current, and previous directors and name change (if any).

The Registrar has also been asked to provide the physical and postal addresses of the companies and other relevant information.

“The registrar has since provided the information containing the names of the directors. One of them is owned by a brother to a CS. We will be summoning them to clarify the matter in question,” said a source close to the investigations.

The DCI has also requested similar documents of companies used to import fertilizer and rice four months ago.

They are Makram Imports and Exports, Multi Commerce FZC and Standard Petroleum LLC. Others are Purma Holding Limited, Evertec General Trading Limited and Lone Trading FCZ.