This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
On November 20, 2019, Dr. Roselyn Akombe, a former IEBC Commissioner, took to Twitter to remind Senator Amos Wako of the reasons behind his family's US travel ban. The ban, imposed by the Trump administration in 2009, was a result of allegations of substantial corruption and graft involving the former Attorney General.
According to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Senator Wako's involvement in corruption was a significant factor in the decision to impose the travel ban. In a statement, Pompeo said,
"Today's action sends a strong signal that the United States is a valuable partner in Kenya's fight against corruption,"
emphasizing the US commitment to combating corruption in Kenya.
Senator Wako has consistently denied any involvement in corruption, claiming that the US government failed to provide evidence to support the travel ban. However, Dr. Akombe's tweet highlighted the Goldenberg scandal and the torture of human rights defenders during Senator Wako's tenure as Attorney General, suggesting that these incidents were a significant part of the corruption allegations.
Despite Senator Wako's claims of integrity, the US government has maintained that he was involved in substantial corruption and graft. The travel ban imposed on Senator Wako, his wife Flora Ngaira, and son Julius Wako remains in effect, a testament to the US commitment to combating corruption in Kenya.
