The White House has accused Kenya of being one of the countries benefiting from a massive fraud scheme involving Somali migrants in the United States. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Somali immigrants linked to non-profit organizations in Minnesota have defrauded US taxpayers of nearly $1 billion in pandemic-related fraud cases. Leavitt stated that 86 individuals have been charged in connection with multiple fraud schemes, with 78 of them being Somali immigrants, and 59 have been convicted so far.
The alleged fraud schemes involved pandemic meal programs and social service reimbursements, with prosecutors claiming that the funds were used to purchase houses, luxury cars, and real estate in Turkey and Kenya. Leavitt described one case as “egregious,” where a nonprofit claimed to have delivered meals to tens of thousands of children during the COVID-19 pandemic but did not provide the services. The federal government reimbursed the organizations, and the funds were allegedly used for personal gain.
The allegations have intensified criticism of US refugee and asylum policies, with Leavitt linking the alleged fraud to lax oversight in a Democrat-run state. She asserted that the cases demonstrate systemic abuse of US asylum and social support systems, stating that the individuals involved are “abusing our system” and “draining our resources.” Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have stated that the investigation is ongoing, with additional cases expected as authorities trace financial flows within the US and overseas.
The allegations come as Kenyan President William Ruto prepares to visit Washington, D.C., where he will join other African leaders for the signing of a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The signing, taking place at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough in efforts to stabilize the Great Lakes region. While in Washington, President Ruto will also participate in high-level engagements focused on advancing Kenya’s strategic interests in trade, investment, health cooperation, and security.
The fraud allegations and the upcoming peace agreement signing highlight the complex relationships between the US, Kenya, and other African countries. As the investigation into the alleged fraud continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what implications it may have for US-Africa relations. Kenyan authorities have not yet responded to the claims regarding real estate purchases linked to the Minnesota fraud cases.
