Even from the shadows, Jeffrey Epstein was pulling strings. The late financier, a convicted sex offender, was revealed to be texting with a senior US politician during a landmark 2019 congressional hearing, appearing to guide her line of questioning in real-time.

The revelation is a stark reminder for Kenyans of how easily wealth and power can corrupt the highest offices, often far from the public view. It raises critical questions about who truly influences the decisions that shape nations—a conversation as relevant in Nairobi as it is in Washington.

A 'Good Work' Text From a Predator

The exchange occurred during the explosive testimony of Donald Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen. As the hearing unfolded, Democratic Delegate Stacey Plaskett was on her phone. Newly released documents show her correspondent was Epstein. He suggested she ask about a specific Trump employee, even correcting her spelling of the aide's name.

After Plaskett posed the questions, Epstein sent a simple, chilling reply: "Good Work". This incident is seen by many as a clear example of the vast and insidious influence Epstein wielded among America's elite, even after his initial conviction for sex crimes. His network spanned politics, business, and academia, with many powerful figures maintaining ties with him for years.

In a statement, Plaskett, who represents the US Virgin Islands where Epstein owned a private island, denied seeking his advice. She noted that as a former prosecutor, she learned to seek information from all sources and that she is "disgusted by Epstein's deviant behavior."

Lessons for Nairobi's Corridors of Power

While the events unfolded thousands of kilometres away, they offer a potent case study on the nature of influence-peddling and political corruption—issues that deeply resonate in Kenya. In a nation where public procurement and government contracts are often tainted by demands for bribes, the Epstein saga highlights the danger of allowing powerful, unelected figures to operate in the shadows.

The fight against graft is a stated priority for the Kenyan government, yet challenges persist. Political corruption, where those in high office abuse their power for private benefit, remains a significant hurdle to national progress. Key concerns for Kenyans include:

• The use of private wealth to influence public policy.
• Lack of transparency in dealings between politicians and powerful business figures.
• The challenge of holding leaders accountable for their associations.

The Epstein affair underscores that true accountability requires constant vigilance. It is a warning that the most dangerous influences are often those that are never publicly acknowledged.

As the full extent of Epstein's network continues to unravel, the saga serves as a global cautionary tale. It proves that real power is not just wielded in parliaments, but in the private messages and hidden relationships of the world's elite.