ODPP registers 71 money laundering cases in FATF exit push

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga disclosed the figures during a breakfast meeting with principals of key law enforcement agencies law enforcement agencies convened to review the country’s progress in implementing the FATF action plan.

The meeting assessed measures taken to address deficiencies under the FATF Immediate Outcomes and explored ways of strengthening collaboration among enforcement institutions to accelerate the implementation of outstanding requirements.

Ingonga reaffirmed the ODPP’s commitment to strengthening the prosecution of money laundering and other financial crimes, citing the successful prosecution and conviction of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu as an example of Kenya’s capacity to handle such cases.

The DPP also announced plans for a capacity-building programme in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

The programme will target Regional Heads, County Heads and Heads of Divisions, equipping them with specialised skills to handle complex and emerging offences, including money laundering and transnational organised crime.

In addition, Ingonga highlighted the development of specialised prosecutorial guidelines intended to improve the handling of money laundering cases, enhance consistency in prosecution and strengthen the country’s response to financial crimes.

The meeting was attended by principals and representatives from the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA).

The discussions centred on strengthening institutional coordination and ensuring that law enforcement agencies make progress on the measures outlined in Kenya’s FATF action plan as the country pursues removal from the grey list.