EACC recovers Sh28b assets, pursuing Sh50b property

Integrity Centre in Nairobi, the headquarters of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has over the past five years traced and recovered corruptly acquired property and unexplained assets worth about Sh28 billion. EACC Chief Executive Officer Ali Mohamud, Tuesday said the agency is also pursuing over 400 cases involving assets worth about Sh50 billion. Speaking at a meeting with anti-corruption agency officials and legal experts from across Africa, Mohamud called for unity among nations in dismantling cross-border corruption networks. "Those who engage in corruption should not be allowed to keep their ill-gotten assets," said Mohamud. "Asset recovery must become a central pillar in our continent-wide war on corruption." The high-profile forum brought together prominent figures including Seynabou Diakhate Ndiaye, chairperson of the AU Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), Justice Lucy Njuguna, presiding judge at the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court, Dr Musa Aliyu, interim chairperson of the AARP Steering Council, and Kathinka Kurz, head of component at GIZ's Global Programme on Combating Illicit Financial Flows. Mohamud added that the EACC has also intervened to prevent the loss of public funds estimated at Sh41 billion. Among the recovered assets are land parcels in Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Kisii, Kisumu, and Nakuru counties. He highlighted an ongoing affordable housing project in Nairobi's Industrial Area, off Enterprise Road, which is being developed on a 52-acre parcel of land recovered by the EACC. The property had been illegally acquired by private individuals from the Meteorological Department. "The recovery of such assets reaffirms Kenya's commitment to upholding the Constitution and fulfilling its obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption," he said. Other assets recovered are four prime properties in Nairobi's Karen area and over Sh14.6 million from former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal. The commission also recovered a Sh5 million piece of public land in Karen, Nairobi, which had been grabbed by private individuals, and 0.1116 hectares of public land in Kisumu County valued at Sh25 million. Additionally, the EACC recovered Sh13 million from businesswoman Nancy Indovera Kigunzu, popularly known as Mathe wa Ngara, as proceeds of crime acquired through drug trafficking. The EACC is also seeking to recover Sh2 billion in unexplained assets from former Kiambu Governor Ferdinard Waititu, who has been sentenced in connection with a Sh588 million corruption case. Mohamud also emphasised the need to monitor capital-intensive projects, enhancing integrity testing at service points, strengthening compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution, and boosting the commission's capacity to handle the evolving nature of corruption. During the event, African leaders signed a charter to strengthen asset recovery and governance frameworks. The 16-page document, aligned with the Common African Position on Asset Recovery is designed to facilitate the repatriation of stolen assets from foreign jurisdictions. The charter outlines over 30 key commitments to enhance domestic and regional systems for asset detection, recovery and governance reform. Among its central tenets is a pledge to support the development of regional best practice guidelines for asset declarations, especially for public officials and politically exposed persons. The document also calls for the creation of shared legal frameworks, technical tools, and knowledge-sharing platforms to streamline asset recovery continent-wide. It highlights the importance of strengthening protections for whistle-blowers to encourage civic participation in the fight against corruption. Additionally, the charter advocates for the enhancement of existing institutions responsible for asset detection and identification, boosting their operational capacity and independence. "This charter is more than a document it's a promise to our people that we will not tolerate the misuse of public funds," said one official during the signing ceremony. "Together, we are building a future where accountability and justice are not the exception but the norm." Mohamud also disclosed that Kenya and several other governments had signed an agreement to enhance the recovery of assets hidden abroad. The African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum, which runs until tomorrow, is intended to serve as a catalyst for information exchange, capacity building, and mutual legal assistance among African nations. "This Forum is a critical platform to strengthen the recovery and restitution of stolen assets for the benefit of our people," said Mohamud. "It will also promote faster turnaround times in asset recovery efforts." AUABC's Ndiaye called for enhanced cross-border collaboration in the fight against corruption. "This forum marks a critical step forward in our collective fight against corruption and the repatriation of assets that rightfully belong to the people of Africa. "We cannot afford to let borders shield those who abuse public trust. Our efforts must be relentless, coordinated, and driven by justice. Recovering stolen assets is not just a technical or legal process,it is a moral imperative." Ndiaye also announced AUABC's plan to launch a centralised digital platform to help countries track and manage asset recovery cases in real time. The initiative aims to close information gaps and reduce bureaucratic delays in transnational efforts.

EACC recovers Sh28b assets, pursuing Sh50b property

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