NAIROBI, Kenya- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Vice Chairperson Dr Monica Wanjiru Muiru says recovering assets linked to corruption can help rebuild public trust by showing that accountability leads to tangible results.
Muiru made the remarks while representing the commission at the Trust Summit 2026, held at Glee Hotel in Nairobi from October 21 to 23.
She spoke during a Leadership Baraza titled “Standing on Solid Ground of Democratic Values”, moderated by Janet Mbugua.
She described asset recovery as a practical way of turning commitments to integrity into outcomes people can see.
Returning property acquired through corruption for public benefit, she said, can demonstrate that public institutions are acting to protect the public interest.
Asset recovery involves efforts to identify and reclaim property believed to have been acquired through corruption or other unlawful conduct.
Such cases can involve legal proceedings and investigations to establish the source and ownership of assets.
Muiru’s remarks placed those efforts within a broader discussion about how institutions can show the public that they are accountable.
She also urged delegates to take personal responsibility for tackling corruption. Building an ethical society, she said, requires action from individuals as well as institutions.
Summit focuses on rebuilding confidence
The three-day summit brought together participants to discuss ways to rebuild trust in public institutions and strengthen accountability. Its theme was “Weaving Trust: Binding Strands for a Stronger Global Order”.
The organisers described the meeting as a platform for dialogue among public sector leaders, civil society, business, academia, media and young people.
The event’s programme included discussions on trust and democracy, institutional responsibility and values-based leadership.
The Leadership Baraza where Muiru spoke examined how democratic values can guide leaders and institutions in strengthening public trust.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the summit was intended to address declining confidence in governments and institutions, alongside concerns about misinformation and the challenges created by digital technologies.
It said discussions would look at accountability, transparency, international cooperation and responsible digital engagement.
Muiru’s remarks connected the summit’s focus on trust with the commission’s role in pursuing corruption cases and seeking the recovery of assets.
The EACC has previously reported that its work includes recovering corruptly acquired assets and unexplained wealth held by public officers.
The commission welcomed the summit’s emphasis on accountable leadership, credible institutions and practical commitments.
It said the discussions could help strengthen partnerships and advance shared responsibility for integrity in public life.
The summit’s focus on turning commitments into action reflects a wider challenge for public institutions: rebuilding confidence depends on whether people see promises followed by results.
