Kenya receives vehicles from US army for fight against drug trafficking

NAIROBI - The US army in partnership with Washington's embassy in Nairobi donated 10 Toyota Hilux pickup trucks to Directorate of Criminal Investigations [DCI] and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission [EACC] ostensibly for the fight against corruption and drug trafficking.

Despite its functional judicial system, Kenya has struggled to contain the vices, which are also triggered by the porous borders, where cartels often use shortcuts to perpetuate the crimes, which significantly affect the economy negatively.

US Ambassador to Nairobi Kyle MacCarter handed the vehicles to the two departments on behalf of the US Africa Command and the State Department, saying that Washington will stand with Kenya, a strategic East Africa partner.

“The U.S. is proud to stand alongside Kenya and support our mutual law enforcement efforts,” McCarter said during the handover ceremony May 29. “The important work of the DCI and EACC in rooting out corruption and holding corrupt individuals accountable is critical to a strong democracy.”

Each year, Kenya loses millions of dollars to corruption, a move that has often triggered internal purge in government, where those named in scandals are excommunicated. Some are currently facing rigorous court battles to save their freedoms.

Drug trafficking has also been an elephant in the room, with authorities often struggling to contain the illegal trade. A number of people have previously been extradited to the US for the prosecution of related crimes.

The donation, AFRICOM said, furthers efforts between Kenya and the U.S. in anti-corruption and anti-drug trafficking efforts as well as the investigation of transnational criminal organizations, highlighting a commitment to preserve and strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.

"We support Kenya's efforts to counter illicit activity as they modernize security institutions,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Steven deMilliano, Deputy Director for U.S. Africa Command's Strategy, Engagement, and Programs Directorate.

"This represents just one aspect of our extensive partnership with Kenya as we pursue a more secure environment in support of our mutual interests," he noted, adding that the AFRICOM will continue working closely with Kenya.

The delivery of vehicles aims to increase and hasten response by Kenyan investigators in difficult-to-reach areas for their operational activities. DCI and EACC are independent institutions in Kenya that are supported by the government and other external entities.

The Kenyan DCI Counter Narcotics Program statement for the handover noted, “The DCI has immensely benefitted from the assistance extended by the U.S. Government through the Drug Enforcement Administration, in establishing a Formal Vetted Unit that was subsequently upgraded to a Sensitive Investigative Unit."

The unit, it said, "is dedicated to conducting major counter-narcotics investigations with a view to neutralize, dismantle, and prosecute major drugs and narcotrafficking networks at national and international levels in order to promote a mutual benefit for DEA and the National Police Service.”

The team lauded the US for its continued support which includes continued collaboration to eliminate drug lords and corrupt cartels, adding that the crackdown will go on until tremendous support is noted.

“The U.S. has been a great partner to the EACC through valuable technical support, collaboration in capacity building through staff training, and invaluable logistical resources to boost our efficiency, especially in cross border investigations,” read the statement.

The donation was made by the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Africa Command, in coordination with the DEA and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, which have closely worked with friendly nations for the purpose of security.

In February, US Africa Command commander Stephen Townsend visited Kenya and Somalia to enhance the state of preparedness in the fight against terrorism. Both corruption and drug trafficking have been linked to terror attacks, thus explaining the US' commitment to eliminate the vices.

The army chief also promised to ensure the military works closely with East Africa partners to eradicate Al-Shabaab militants. On January 5, the Somalia-based militants had attacked a US Naval Base in Lamu, killing a serviceman and two contractors.

GAROWE ONLINE