This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
On November 18, 2019, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced the designation of former Kenyan Attorney-General Amos Sitswila Wako under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and related programs appropriations Act, 2019 (Div. F, P.L. 116-6), as carried forward by the continuing appropriations Act, 2020 (Div. A, P.L. 116-59).
According to the statement, Mr. Wako's involvement in significant corruption led to his designation. This means that he, his wife Flora Ngaira, and son Julius will not be allowed to visit America or transact any business in that country with companies affiliated to Americans.
Mr. Pompeo stated that the designation sends a strong signal that the United States is a valuable partner in Kenya's fight against corruption. He emphasized that economic prosperity for all Kenyans is only possible by defeating the scourge of corruption, which also requires a functional, fair, and transparent criminal justice system.
However, Mr. Wako may still be allowed onto US soil if he visits as a member of the Kenyan delegation to the UN meetings or if the UN invites him, even though his movement could be restricted.
