Jacinta Mwatela: How the former CBK banker fought Goldenberg, Grand Regency and currency tender battles
Jacinta Wanjala Mwatela says her 32-year career at the Central Bank of Kenya was marked by repeated clashes with powerful figures over financial transactions, procedure and the protection of public money. When Jacinta Wanjala Mwatela joined the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in 1977, she could hardly have known that her insistence on following procedure […]
Jacinta Wanjala Mwatela, a former Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) banker, spent three decades in her career, battling powerful figures and financial disputes. Appointed as deputy governor in May 2005, she became the first woman to hold this position. In 2006, she also served as acting governor. Mwatela's career was defined by her insistence on adhering to procedure and her confrontations with high-ranking officials and influential businessmen.
In her 2026 interview, Mwatela recounted her battles with financial irregularities, including the Goldenberg scandal, disputes with businessman Kamlesh Pattni, and challenges related to Charterhouse Bank and currency printing.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
