A political earthquake has struck Brussels, as Belgian police arrested the European Union’s former foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, in a high-stakes fraud investigation that reaches into the heart of the EU’s diplomatic corps.

For Kenya, this is more than a distant scandal. The EU is a cornerstone of international partnership, channelling billions of shillings into local development, governance, and security projects. The arrests raise urgent questions about the integrity of funds meant to support global stability and development, including in East Africa.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed three detentions following raids on the EU's foreign service headquarters and the prestigious College of Europe, where Mogherini now serves as rector. The probe centres on suspected “procurement fraud, corruption and conflicts of interest” tied to EU-funded training for junior diplomats, according to a statement.

Alongside Mogherini, Stefano Sannino, a senior Italian official who was secretary general of the EU’s external action service, was also reportedly arrested, as confirmed by judicial sources to Belgian media.

A Cloud Over a Key Partner

The European Union is a major development partner for Kenya, allocating €435 million (approx. KES 68 billion) between 2014 and 2020 alone under the European Development Fund. During her tenure, Mogherini herself visited Nairobi, inaugurating the new EU embassy in 2019—the second largest in the world—and emphasizing that the EU's investment in Kenya was "key" and the partnership was valued "enormously."

However, the relationship has faced scrutiny. A 2020 report by the European Court of Auditors noted that EU aid allocation was not sufficiently linked to a country's performance on governance or its commitment to fighting corruption. The report found that while projects often delivered expected outcomes, their broader impact on Kenya's development was not clearly demonstrated.

This history adds a sharp edge to the current investigation. The allegations of corruption at the highest levels of the EU's diplomatic institutions could undermine trust and cast a shadow over ongoing and future collaborations. The EU's support for Kenya spans critical areas:

• **Green Transition:** Team Europe is backing over 150 projects in Kenya worth €3.47 billion (approx. KES 545 billion) to boost initiatives from green hydrogen to electric mobility.
• **Governance and Security:** The EU funds programs to strengthen democratic governance, enhance financial accountability, and counter terrorism in the region.
• **Trade:** The EU is the largest market for Kenyan exports, with a trade relationship that sustains over 500,000 jobs locally.

While the European Commission has confirmed an investigation is underway into activities from the “previous mandate,” it has declined to comment on the specific individuals involved. The College of Europe issued a statement pledging to cooperate fully with authorities and upholding its commitment to the “highest standards of integrity.”

As the investigation unfolds in Brussels, leaders and citizens in Nairobi will be watching closely. The credibility of a vital international partner is on the line, and with it, the assurance that development funds are managed with the transparency and accountability that Kenyans demand.