WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States Congress has overwhelmingly approved legislation compelling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release its extensive files on the deceased sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. The bill, titled the Epstein Files Transparency Act, is now awaiting President Donald Trump's signature, which he has indicated he will provide. This move follows months of intense political pressure and a significant reversal of position by the President and senior Republican leaders.

The House of Representatives passed the measure on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, with a near-unanimous vote of 427-1. Hours later, the Senate approved the bill through a procedural move known as "unanimous consent," fast-tracking its passage. The legislation mandates that the Attorney General publicly release all unclassified documents related to the Epstein investigation within 30 days of the bill becoming law.

This development represents a watershed moment for survivors of Epstein's abuse, who have long campaigned for transparency and accountability for Epstein and his powerful network of associates. The case has drawn global attention, raising critical questions about the influence of wealth and power in the justice system, a theme that resonates within Kenya and the broader East African region's own challenges with impunity and corruption.

Political Reversal and Bipartisan Pressure

The passage of the bill marks a dramatic turnaround for President Trump, who had previously resisted the release of the files, dismissing the effort as a "Democrat Hoax." However, facing mounting pressure from a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and the public, the President changed his stance over the weekend, urging Republicans to support the bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had also previously opposed the measure, ultimately voted in favour, acknowledging the overwhelming support for transparency.

The sole dissenting vote in the House came from Republican Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana. Higgins cited concerns that the bill, as written, could lead to the public identification of innocent individuals mentioned in the investigative files, thereby causing undue harm.

What the Files May Contain

The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the release of all unclassified records, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently imprisoned. The law permits redactions to protect the identities of victims and to avoid compromising ongoing investigations. However, it explicitly forbids withholding information on the basis of potential "embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity" to any public figures or government officials.

The files are expected to shed more light on the scope of Epstein's sex trafficking network, which involved numerous powerful and wealthy individuals globally. While no direct links to Kenyan nationals have been established in the publicly available information, the case serves as a stark reminder of the global nature of such criminal enterprises and the importance of international cooperation in combating them.

Global Implications and Local Relevance

The push for transparency in the Epstein case mirrors global anti-corruption and accountability movements. For Kenyans, who have witnessed numerous high-profile corruption and criminal cases stall or go unpunished, the American public's demand for the release of these files highlights the power of sustained civic pressure. The case underscores the universal principle that justice should apply equally to all, regardless of wealth or status.

Furthermore, the involvement of prominent international figures, including Britain's Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles over his connection to Epstein, demonstrates that accountability can transcend borders. This international precedent may embolden activists and judicial reformers in Kenya and across Africa in their efforts to hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions.

As the world awaits the release of the Epstein files, the case continues to serve as a critical test for the American justice system. The outcome and the contents of the files will be watched closely around the globe, offering potential lessons for nations, including Kenya, that are grappling with the complex challenges of ensuring justice for victims of exploitation and abuse by the powerful.