Kenya, Jersey sign deal to return Ksh 380M stolen funds

Kenya and Jersey have signed an agreement paving the way for the return of Ksh 380 million of stolen assets that were confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey in February 2014.

The agreement, signed on March 3, 2017 between the Government of Jersey and the Government of Kenya, is the latest step taken by both Governments to secure the return of the funds, which were confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey after defendant company, Windward Trading Limited, pleaded guilty to four counts of laundering the proceeds of corruption.

According to the British High Commission in Nairobi, the corrupt activities took place in Kenya where Windward’s beneficial owner, Samuel Gichuru, is resident.

“During the period on the indictment, Mr Gichuru was also the Chief Executive of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), the Kenyan government’s electricity utility company,” said British High Commission in a statement.

In June 2011, the Attorney General of Jersey requested the extradition of Mr Gichuru and Chrysanthus Okemo, former Energy Cabinet Minister to face money laundering charges in Jersey.

The extradition proceedings are still ongoing.

Dr Kamau Thugge, the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, who signed on behalf of the government said: “We are delighted to reach agreement with the Government of Jersey on this important matter. We welcome the positive cooperation between Kenya and Jersey and look forward to an enhanced partnership in future.”

The Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst, on behalf of the Government of Jersey, said: “The signing of this agreement conveys a powerful message that both Jersey and Kenya are committed to combating issues of historic corruption and financial crime.”

“The process is one that has understandably taken some time because of the legal complexities of confiscation and asset sharing. The completion of this agreement is a step towards ensuring these funds are returned to the people of Kenya, where they rightfully belong.”