EACC Recovers Billions, Targets Cross-Border Corruption Crackdown Drive

Nairobi: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered corruptly acquired assets and unexplained wealth valued at approximately Sh28 billion over the past five years, according to EACC CEO Ali Mohamud. The commission is currently pursuing more than 400 cases involving assets worth around Sh50 billion.

Speaking during a high-level anti-corruption forum in Nairobi, Mohamud stressed the need for united cross-border efforts to dismantle corruption networks. “Those who engage in corruption should not be allowed to retain their ill-gotten wealth. Asset recovery must be central to Africa’s war on corruption,” he said.

Among the recovered properties are land parcels in Nairobi, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Kisii, and Nakuru. Notably, a 52-acre plot recovered from private hands is now being developed into an affordable housing project in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.

Other recoveries include prime properties in Karen, Nairobi, Sh13 million from businesswoman Nancy Kigunzu (aka Mathe wa Ngara), and Sh14.6 million from ex-Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal. The EACC is also pursuing Sh2 billion in unexplained assets from former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.

The forum gathered key African anti-graft officials, including AUABC chairperson Seynabou Ndiaye, High Court Judge Lucy Njuguna, and GIZ’s Kathinka Kurz. The leaders signed a 16-page charter committing to enhanced asset recovery, regional collaboration, and protection of whistle-blowers.

Ndiaye revealed plans by AUABC to launch a digital platform for real-time tracking of asset recovery cases. Mohamud also disclosed that Kenya had joined other African states in an agreement to recover assets hidden abroad, emphasizing that transparency and justice must guide the continent’s anti-corruption journey.