2 EALA MPs to introduce bill to stop billions stolen through illicit Financial Flows

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Members of Parliament Hon. Kennedy Ayason and Hon. Maina Karobia have taken a bold step to confront one of the region’s silent economic killers, Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs). 

The two legislators have announced plans to introduce a landmark bill aimed at stopping the hemorrhage of billions of shillings lost annually through tax evasion, corruption, money laundering and illegal transfer of wealth.

The MPs have painted a vivid picture of how IFFs rob East Africa of its future.

“East Africa bleeds billions while our people hunger for justice. This bill is our collective shield against theft, secrecy, and silence,” said Hon. Karobia.

The proposed legislation seeks to shine a light on hidden wealth, tighten loopholes that allow multinationals and corrupt officials to siphon money abroad and give regional authorities stronger tools to track and recover stolen assets. 

According to Hon. Ayason, the move is not only about stopping the theft of taxes but also about restoring hope to citizens who have long suffered under the weight of corruption and economic injustice.

“This is not just a bill; it is a regional call to action. We are reclaiming what is ours, from stolen taxes to looted futures. Transparency is our weapon. Accountability is our legacy,” Hon. Ayason said.

Experts say the introduction of this bill could be a game-changer in addressing systemic challenges that have left East African countries dependent on foreign aid, while billions of dollars flow illegally out of the region each year. If passed, the law would harmonise regional efforts, making it harder for illicit networks to exploit cross-border weaknesses.

As Hon. Ayason and Hon. Karobia prepare to table the bill in EALA, the message is clear: the region will no longer stand by as wealth is drained from its people. Instead, East Africa is uniting under the banner of transparency, accountability and economic justice.