Kenya:Anti-Corruption Commission Hands Over Recovered Public Land and Funds Worth Billions to Government
September 11, 2024By Samuel Ouma
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has handed over title deeds and funds representing billions in corruptly acquired assets recovered from individuals and entities.
The title deeds and funds were handed over during a ceremony held at the State House, Nairobi.
The Commission presented 35 title deeds for public land worth an estimated Ksh5 billion ($89 million), which land grabbers had illegally acquired. These lands, recovered on behalf of various public institutions, include parcels intended for public use, such as schools, hospitals, and government offices.
In addition to the land, the EACC also handed over Ksh511 million ($4 million) in unexplained wealth recovered from public officials involved in corrupt vices.
Addressing the ceremony, President Ruto lauded the EACC’s commitment to fighting corruption and emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability among public servants.
“The recovery of these assets is a testament to our resolve in eradicating corruption and safeguarding public resources for the benefit of all Kenyans,” said Ruto.
The assets handed over today are part of a larger effort by the EACC, which has traced and recovered Ksh28 billion ($217 million) in stolen public property over the past five years. This includes land, cash, and other valuable assets obtained through corruption.
EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak noted that the Commission remains dedicated to extinguishing any benefit derived from corrupt conduct.
“Our mission is not only to prosecute those who engage in corruption but to ensure that the proceeds of their crimes are returned to the public,” Mubarak stated.
He also emphasized that the Commission would intensify efforts to trace and recover more stolen assets, noting that corruption undermines development and deprives Kenyans of essential services.
In recent years, the EACC has expanded its investigations into unexplained wealth, mainly targeting public officials whose lifestyles do not align with their known income.
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