The Kenyan Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Swiss Government that will provide technical assistance to confiscate illegally acquired assets and repatriate them to the country.
The MOU captured under the Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) will help curb crime between the Countries.
The MOU aims at defining the scope of MLA in criminal matters by promoting greater understanding of the existing laws, legal systems and legal institutions in both countries.
Attorney General (AG), Professor Githu Muigai, said that the MOU re-affirms the government’s commitment in the fight against corruption, cooperation of governments in strengthening the legal and judicial systems in the fight against transnational crimes.
The AG said that MOU between Swiss Federal Council (SFC) and the Republic of Kenya on MLA in criminal matters goes a long way in re-assuring Kenyans that the days of thieves are numbered.
“You can run but you no longer have a hiding place because all our partners are supporting us in this fight,” said the AG, adding that Kenya is committed in the graft fight but was limited by the international barriers.
The AG was speaking today at his offices after signing the of the MOU , he said that the Government of Kenya believes that practical guidelines for law enforcement across international borders ought to be strengthened through legislation and established where they do not exist.
“It is our belief that if not controlled or eliminated corruption and its attendant vices will continue to remain a big threat to the survival of the state,” said the AG
Swiss Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Ralf Heckner said MOU will enhance co-operation in matters of legal affairs and assistance.
“We have blocked about 2 million Swiss franc related to the Anglo-leasing scandal.”
Heckner said that the intention of MOU is to make it harder for people to profit from corruption in Kenya and in the Swiss.
“Currently evidence produced by the Swiss is being used in Kenyan courts, both countries would be able to draft mutual legal requests.
Mr. Heckner said that the message from his government to Kenya is that Switzerland is no safe haven for corrupt people to hide stolen assets.
The Ambassador thanked Kenya’s efforts in the fight against corruption and noted the country’s resilience in the cause.
He assured Kenya that his government has a long history of returning seized assets to the respective countries they were from.
The AG also told the media that preparation for upcoming Asian African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) scheduled as from Tuesday 2nd May 2017 were at an advanced stage.
He said that it would be the third time Kenya is hosting the 56th Annual event which will be graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Muigai said Kenya is privileged to host, adding that matters of terrorism and counter-terrorism would be addressed at the conference.