The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched its largest-ever asset recovery operation, targeting Sh50 billion ($385 million) in illegally acquired wealth from corrupt individuals.
The sweeping investigation spans 12 government ministries and 47 private sector entities.
EACC CEO Abdi Ahmed Mohamoud revealed shocking findings:
- Real Estate: 87 high-value properties bought through shell companies
- Bank Accounts: Sh12 billion in suspicious offshore transfers
- Business Fronts: 23 phantom firms securing government tenders
The commission is pursuing 136 high-profile targets, including:
- 5 former Cabinet Secretaries
- 12 county governors (past and present)
- 31 procurement officers
- 88 businesspeople
“These aren’t lifestyle audits – we’ve traced stolen funds to specific assets,” Mohamoud stated.
The EACC has frozen Sh8.2 billion in assets pending court orders for forfeiture.
Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga confirmed 67 files are prosecution-ready. “We’re applying new anti-money laundering laws retroactively,” he warned.
As Kenya’s public debt hits Sh11 trillion, this operation tests President Ruto’s pledge to combat graft.
Success could restore confidence; failure may deepen economic despair.
