Over the years, several prominent Kenyans have been barred from entering the United States. The bans were issued for reasons such as corruption, drug trafficking, and money laundering. In some cases, their families were also affected, and their assets in the US frozen.
Here are seven Kenyans who were banned from entering the US, and why.
- Harun Mwau
Former Kilome MP and businessman Harun Mwau was banned in 2011 by the Obama administration over alleged drug trafficking. He was the first head of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Authority but was removed after a year for being unfit for the job.
Mwau was linked to narcotics worth billions of shillings that were seized in 2004. The US described him as one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the region. His assets in the United States were also frozen. Mwau denied the allegations and resigned as Assistant Minister to try and clear his name.
- Naima Nyakiniywa (Mama Lela)
Businesswoman Naima Nyakiniywa, popularly known as Mama Lela, was banned in 2011. At the time, she was facing drug trafficking charges in Tanzania after a police raid at her home in Dar es Salaam. The Obama administration also directed that her property in the US be seized amid Trans-Atlantic drug trafficking.
After Naima was named a drug kingpin, many Majengo residents reacted with disbelief and defended her as a generous community figure, despite U.S. accusations. Locals saw her as a saviour, helping with school fees, food, paying bail, and supporting the needy.
- Mike Sonko
The most controversial one is former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, who was banned from the United States in 2022, along with his family.
The U.S. State Department accused him of engaging in “significant corruption,” specifically alleging that he solicited bribes and kickbacks during his tenure as governor. Sonko dismissed the allegations, arguing that his cases remain in court and that his family was unfairly dragged into the matter despite having no role in county tenders.
Long before the ban, Sonko’s name had been mentioned in a leaked 2010 U.S. Embassy cable that linked several Kenyan politicians to suspected drug trafficking. While he has consistently denied involvement, the perception of underworld connections was reinforced by his flashy lifestyle sometimes compared to a druglord, his 2019 arrest over corruption and money-laundering charges worth KSh 357 million, and accusations of funding political violence through criminal gangs.
In 2020, he was impeached as Nairobi governor over corruption, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.
Sonko is not the only Kenyan politician to face such scrutiny. Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and Tourism CS Hassan Joho have battled allegations of drug links, though no charges were ever brought against them.Ha
- Amos Wako
Former Attorney General and Busia Senator Amos Wako was barred from traveling to the US in 2019, together with his family, over allegations of corruption. This was not his first ban—he had also been declared ineligible to enter the US in 2009 for allegedly obstructing Kenya’s fight against corruption. Wako dismissed the claims, calling them vague and unfair.
- Chris Murungaru
Former Transport Minister Chris Murungaru was declared ineligible to enter the US in October 2005. The ban followed his implication in the Anglo-Leasing corruption saga, a major scandal during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration. The US Embassy informed him that he was barred from receiving any visa, though it did not give further details.
- Samuel Gichuru
Samuel Gichuru, the former Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) CEO, was blocked from entering the US after being accused of corruption. He was alleged to have received kickbacks from a Jersey-based company in exchange for awarding KPLC contracts. A company linked to him even pleaded guilty to money laundering. In 2021, the Supreme Court of Kenya approved his extradition to Jersey to face trial.
- Chris Okemo
Former Energy Minister Chris Okemo, who served as Finance Minister from 1999-2001, faced similar allegations alongside Gichuru. He was accused of receiving bribes tied to Kenya Power contracts. Like Gichuru, he was banned from the US and later cleared for extradition to Jersey in 2021 to answer to corruption and money laundering charges.
The US bans on these Kenyan leaders underline Washington’s hard stance against corruption, drug trafficking, and money laundering. Most of those banned have denied wrongdoing.
By Vivian K.