Finance minister Amos Kimunya Wednesday appeared before a parliamentary committee and denied that the Grand Regency Hotel had been sold.

Mr Kimunya's answers did not, however, satisfy the Finance, Planning and Trade Committee chaired by Nambale MP Chris Okemo and was ordered to furnish it with supporting documents next week.

Also grilled

Also summoned by the 11- member committee were Attorney General Amos Wako, who is the Government's legal adviser, Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission chief Aaron Ringera, tycoon Kamlesh Pattni and the hotel's receiver managers.

Central Bank governor Njuguna Ndung'u was also grilled by the committee Wednesday.

Briefing journalists after the questioning, Mr Okemo said Mr Kimunya explained that after a protracted court case, his ministry consulted Kacc, lawyers of Uhuru Holdings and removed the hotel's joint managers before handing over the hotel to CBK.

"He (Kimunya) denied it was sold," he said, adding that CBK was later directed to move and dispose the hotel at the earliest opportunity.

Mr Kimunya is said to have told the committee the hotel was later "duly" valued.

Mr Okemo said the committee questioned how the valuation was done and if the process met Government requirements.

"The committee wants a chance to look at the valuation report," Mr Okemo said.

Consent order

Members further demanded to see the consent order and know the terms attached.

The Nambale MP said members also asked Mr Kimunya to provide a copy of the charge.

They also wanted to know the interest that accrued since 1993 when the charge was created.

Mr Okemo said the Finance minister told the committee the hotel had not been sold, contrary to reports that it had been acquired by some Libyan and Indian investors.

The minister told the committee that a number of potential buyers had shown interest in the hotel but neither he nor the CBK governor had consented.

"He assured us the disposal of the hotel will be done in accordance with the law," Mr Okemo said.