Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy American financier, died in a U.S. prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though it remains the subject of public discussion. Epstein had been arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges. He previously served 13 months in 2008 on prostitution-related charges after a plea deal that drew widespread criticism. Following his death, public and media scrutiny focused on the people he communicated with and the places associated with his travel and activities.
Reports and released documents reference emails linked to Epstein. Among those appearing in the emails is Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, a senior executive at DP World. On April 9, 2013, he wrote to Epstein, “I am in Nairobi attending the inauguration of Uhuru Kenyatta as the president of Kenya, whom I know very well.” Epstein replied, “Any plans for NY?” In another email dated October 24, 2014, he stated, “I am in Mombasa. [I] had a three-hour meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta. We are going to build a big logistic park to serve Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, the Central African Republic, and Rwanda.” In a separate 2013 message, he asked, “By the way, do you still want me to arrange Sept meetings with Kabila of Congo, Bongo of Gabon, Macky Sall of Senegal and [Kagame] of Rwanda and Uhuru of Kenya? If I start from now, we can firm up dates starting mid Sept.”
Newly released files have also brought to light correspondence between Epstein and Prince Andrew (then the Duke of York) in which the two men appear to discuss young women from former British colonies in Africa, specifically Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, using “coffee,” which some commentators have noted as a possible coded reference. Some messages reference locations in Kenya, including the town of Nanyuki, an area long associated with British influence due to the nearby military training base. These emails have added to ongoing questions and media discussion surrounding Prince Andrew’s associations and the broader international connections in Epstein’s network.
Correspondence between Epstein and Prince Andrew mentioning Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
Other exchanges focus on Kenya as a travel destination. In December 2010, Epstein wrote, “Anyone new for tonight?” A woman replied, “None, but I’m working on that.” After she asked if he wanted to see two people again, Epstein responded with a single word, “Kenya.” In December 2009, publicist Peggy Siegal wrote to Epstein about a trip she was taking, saying, “We cannot thank you enough [for] yet another life experience. If the Masai warriors don’t eat us, the pirates from Somalia will.” The email, sent from Amsterdam en route to Nairobi, outlined her itinerary, including Cottar’s Camp in the Masai Mara, Sasaab, and Lamu’s Peponi Hotel, returning by January 4th. Siegal also mentioned taking photos and thinking of Epstein, and included the line, “Can bring a little baby back for you…or two. Boys or girls? So Madonna.” This phrasing has been highlighted in media coverage and public discussion due to its sensitive nature. The attached screenshot from social media captures part of this email exchange, showing Siegal’s message circled for emphasis alongside photos of her and Epstein.
A letter from publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein
Between April and June 2009, emails discussed travel to Kenya. In a May 26, 2009, message, Siegal referred to individuals under the subject “Kenya.” On May 28, Epstein wrote that he would provide $13,000 for each person’s Nairobi trip, described as a “safari and internship,” and added, “I am very familiar with the flexibility of some of the accommodation (venues) you have chosen.” A May 2011 email concerning a Kenya trip stated that a person whose name was hidden “is finally turning legal.” In another message dated May 11, Siegal wrote, “As Paula just mentioned, the individuals not only showed up for the conference call but are now totally excited about going.” She ended one email with, “We are all kissing the ground you walk on and the African plains the individuals are about to ride on.” The documents refer to hotels and travel plans and have appeared in media coverage, highlighting Kenya’s repeated appearance in communications linked to Epstein and international travel.
– Mamadou Sissoko
“A writer specializing in African affairs and international relations.”
