Gorst signs deal to return £3m to Kenya

Tuesday 07 March 2017

Jersey's Chief Minister has signed an agreement to see the return of over £3million worth of stolen assets to the people of Kenya.

It's the latest step taken by both governments to secure the return of the funds that were confiscated by the Royal Court in February 2016.

The assets were confiscated after Windward Trading Limited pleaded guilty to four counts of laundering the proceeds of corruption.

Senator Ian Gorst, said: "The signing of this agreement conveys a powerful message that both Jersey and Kenya are committed to combatting 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."

The corrupt activities took place in Kenya where Windward's beneficial owner, Samuel Gichuru, is resident. During the period of indictment, Mr Gichuru was also the Chief Executive the Kenyan Government's electricity utility company; Kenya Power and Lighting Company [KPLC].

In June 2011, the Attorney General of Jersey requested the extradition of Mr Gichuru and Mr Chrysanthus Okemo, former Kenyan Energy Minister, from Kenya to face money laundering charges in Jersey in connection with Windward's activities. The extradition proceedings are still ongoing.

On signing on behalf of the Government of Kenya, Dr. Kamau Thugge, the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, 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."

Senator Gorst is visiting Kenya as part of a delegation to build stronger relationships with Jersey's African partners and on Friday he also met with representatives of the British Chamber of Commerce in Kenya.