By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa and Debra Rono
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission CEO, Mr. Twalib Mbarak hosted the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Mr. Christopher Wray who paid a courtesy visit to the Commission at Integrity Centre.
Mr. Wray, who was on a technical and operational working visit to Kenya, was accompanied to EACC by a high-level delegation from FBI and the American Embassy in Nairobi.
The EACC has a longstanding history of collaboration with the FBI, enabling EACC investigators to receive specialized training in undercover operations, tradecraft, and modern techniques for investigating complex financial and economic crimes, corruption cases, and the recovery of corruptly acquired and unexplained wealth.
The meeting explored various collaboration initiatives for effective modern law enforcement, including countering transnational corruption and economic crimes.
The FBI made a commitment to bolster its assistance to the EACC by providing additional training and acquiring modern investigative tools and equipment.
The meeting also discussed strategies for utilizing information exchange to aid in tracing and recovering assets obtained through corruption and hidden overseas.
“I had a productive meeting with EACC CEO Mbarak and his team at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission about their important work combating corruption and promoting accountability,” said FBI Director Wray.
“The FBI will continue to look for ways to strengthen our partnership and support EACC efforts to safeguard the rule of law and ensure public confidence in institutions,” he added.
Mr. Mbarak expressed gratitude for the ongoing technical assistance provided by the FBI to the EACC, which has strengthened the Commission’s investigative capabilities.
“Today marks a major milestone as we seek to deepen our partnership and explore areas of cooperation. With technical support from the FBI, the Commission will have a greater impact in investigating high impact cases and robustly pursue recovery of corruptly acquired assets and unexplained wealth,” said Mr. Mbarak.
The FBI Director also paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and appreciated the its role in the delivery of justice while offering support in ensuring that its mandate is delivered.
Hosted by the DPP Mr. Renson Igonga, Mr. Wray praised Kenya as an “international leader in the fight against terrorism” and stressed the need for a working relationship between the two agencies so as to remain ahead of the threats.
“I appreciate what an important role prosecutor’s play in countering threats,” said FBI Director.
“And I look forward to continue enhancing our partnerships and cooperation with the ODPP,” he added.
This visit succeeds a similar one made to the ODPP in November 2022 by the FBI Assistant Director Raymond Duda.