FBI Assists EACC in Recovering Sh2.9 Billion in Corruptly Acquired Assets

In a landmark collaboration, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) played a pivotal role in helping Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) recover Sh2.9 billion in corruptly acquired assets during the 2023/2024 financial year. The joint efforts also averted a potential loss of Sh16 billion in public funds, according to the EACC’s latest report.

The recovery was achieved through a combination of court cases and out-of-court settlements, with the FBI providing critical technical assistance in tracing and investigating illegally acquired assets. EACC Chairperson David Oginde acknowledged the FBI’s contribution, emphasizing that the partnership enabled the commission to conduct proactive investigations and uncover over Sh16 billion in unexplained assets across 26 public institutions.

“The commission received technical assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the fight against corruption and transnational crimes,” Oginde stated. He added that the EACC remains committed to ensuring that all illegally acquired public assets are returned to the government.

The recovered assets include high-value properties and cash siphoned from public coffers. For instance, the Kisii County government reclaimed land of unknown value from Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda. Additionally, the National Museums of Kenya and Kenya Wildlife Service recovered a Sh1 billion piece of land in Kwale County from Manmohan Kaul Kalsi. Other recoveries include Sh399.1 million worth of property in Eldoret for the Uasin Gishu County government and Sh345 million in land for the Ministry of Housing in Nakuru.

The EACC also prevented significant financial losses by halting irregular payments. For example, the commission stopped a Sh1.8 billion payment by the National Land Commission following an investigation into irregular compensation claims related to the Mombasa Special Economic Zone. Similarly, the Bungoma County government was prevented from paying Sh247.4 million for a questionable fertilizer supply contract, while the Kilifi County government’s Sh103.8 million tender for a revenue collection system was also halted.

The FBI’s involvement is part of a broader international effort to support Kenya’s anti-corruption initiatives. The EACC also received assistance from the European Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Chinese Embassy in Kenya. These partnerships have strengthened the commission’s capacity to tackle corruption and recover public assets.

Oginde expressed confidence in the progress made, urging all stakeholders and Kenyans to join hands in the fight against corruption. “I have confidence in the steps taken and milestones achieved by the commission during the year under review,” he said.

The EACC’s report highlights the scale of corruption in the country, with Sh16 billion in illegally acquired assets traced during the period. Notable cases include Sh2 billion linked to the Kisumu County government, Sh1.5 billion tied to the Kenya Prisons Service, and Sh1.35 billion connected to fraudulent acquisitions in Nairobi’s Woodley estate.