US Spy Chief Flies to Nairobi, Holds Closed-Door Meetings

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray concluded his five-day trip to Kenya on Wednesday, June 12, following a series of high-level meetings with government officials.

The visit marked a historic milestone, as it was Wray’s first trip to Kenya since his appointment in 2017, he arrived in Nairobi on Saturday, June 8 for the official visit.

During his stay, he held separate meetings with key law enforcement officials from the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

The meetings centered on areas of cooperation between the institutions, with organized crimes, terrorism, and corruption taking center stage.

The discussions aimed to strengthen partnerships and enhance the fight against these threats.

FBI Boss Meets Top Govt Officials During Trip to Kenya — FBI Director Christopher Wray speaking during his visit to the DCI headquarters on June 12, 2024. PHOTO/ Courtesy

Wray Meets with EACC Officials

The EACC hosted FBI Director Christopher Wray on June 11, 2024, at Integrity Centre where he made a courtesy visit.

EACC in a statement said that the FBI boss was in Kenya on a technical and operational work visit and was accompanied to its headquarters by a high-level delegation from FBI and the American Embassy in Nairobi.

The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration initiatives for effective modern law enforcement, including countering transnational corruption and economic crimes.

EACC highlighted its long-standing partnership with the FBI, noting that FBI has been offering technical support which has seen EACC investigators benefit greatly.

Additionally, the EACC aims to use this support to have a greater impact in investigating high-impact cases and recovering corruptly acquired assets.

“EACC has a long-standing history of cooperation with FBI which has seen EACC investigators benefit from various specialized trainings on undercover operations, trade craft and modern techniques in investigation of complex financial, economic crimes, corruption cases and recovery of corruptly acquired and unexplained wealth,” EACC noted.

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Additionally, during the meeting, the two parties explored ways to leverage exchange of information to support tracing and recovery of corruptly acquired assets stashed abroad.

“There was a resolve by the FBI to enhance its support to EACC through training and acquisition of modern investigative tools and equipment,” said EACC.

Organization Heads Give Their Remarks

EACC CEO Mbarak appreciated the technical support that FBI continues to extend to EACC, which has enhanced the Commission’s investigations.

“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.

On his part, FBI Boss Wray expressed his commitment to strengthening the partnership and supporting EACC efforts to safeguard the rule of law and ensure public confidence in institutions.

“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 Wray.

He noted that the FBI will continue to look for ways of deepening their cooperation and support EACC in the fight against corruption.

Wray Meets With DPP

Similarly, the FBI Boss also met with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, where he appreciated the ODPP’s role in delivering justice.

He offered support to ensure the ODPP’s mandate is delivered and praised Kenya as an “international leader in the fight against terrorism.”

Additionally, he stressed the need for a working relationship between the two agencies so as to remain ahead of 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.

Wray Meets With DCI

At the DCI headquarters, Director Wray met with DCI head Mohamed Amin where they held meetings that focused on strengthening bilateral security and investigative cooperation.

He praised the existing partnerships with the agency, highlighting key successes in counterterrorism and transnational organized crimes.

The FBI boss reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to cooperation and adopting modern measures to disrupt global threats.

DCI Boss Amin expressed his appreciation to both Mr. Wray and the US government for their immense support.

The support ranges from sponsored training locally and abroad, donation of state-of-the-art equipment and enhanced information-sharing networks.

“Mr. Amin noted that as a result, the DCI had managed to greatly suppress highly complex criminal activities, built its capacity and earned the confidence of Kenyans in its capacity to combat all manner of crime.”