FBI Director Christopher Wray lauds Kenya partnership as he visits EACC, ODPP, DCI

The Director of the United States-based Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Christopher Wray has committed to work with Kenya through its investigative agencies during his official visit to the country.

Wray, who has been on a four-day visit to Kenya, said the US federal body would partner with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in security and investigation matters.

Speaking during a meeting with EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak on Tuesday, the FBI Director said that the partnership between the two agencies would help in combating corruption and promoting accountability with a long-term goal of countering transnational corruption and economic crimes.

“I had a productive meeting with EACC CEO Mbarak and his team about their important work combating corruption and promoting accountability,” said Mr. 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.”

The two also explored ways of leveraging on exchange of information to support the tracing and recovery of corruptly acquired assets stashed abroad, with the FBI saying it would continue to support the commission through training and acquisition of modern investigative tools and equipment.

“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,” Mr. Mbarak said.

Mr. Wray was accompanied by a high-level delegation from the FBI and the American Embassy in Nairobi during the meeting held at EACC Headquarters, Integrity Centre.

He also met DPP Renson Ingonga and appreciated his role in the delivery of justice, terming Kenya as an “international leader in the fight against terrorism.”

The FBI boss further offered his support in ensuring that the ODPP’s mandate is delivered as he stressed the need for a working relationship between the two agencies to remain ahead of the threats.

“I appreciate what an important role prosecutors play in countering threats. And I look forward to continue enhancing our partnerships and cooperation with the ODPP,” said Mr. Wray.

On his part, the DPP shared some of the success stories and challenges it experiences in undertaking criminal proceedings on transnational, organized crime (TOC) and Terrorism Financing cases.

The FBI Director at the same met with DCI Mohamed Amin at Mazingira Complex headquarters where they held discussions on strengthening bilateral security and investigative cooperation.

Mr. Wray lauded collaborations with DCI where he highlighted key successes in counterterrorism and transnational organized crimes, further reaffirming the FBI's commitment to cooperation with stakeholders in adopting modern-day pragmatic measures pertinent to disrupting global threats.

DCI Amin conveyed his appreciation to Mr. Wray and the US government for the immense support the directorate has continued to receive through sponsored training locally and abroad, donation of state-of-the-art equipment and enhanced information-sharing networks. 

Mr. Wray was appointed in 2017 as the FBI's eighth director after being nominated by then U.S President Donald Trump.