Shaped by his East African roots, new FBI director Kash Patel promises integrity and fairness

Kash Patel, the newly appointed director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has opened up about his deep East African roots, drawing a powerful connection between his family's history and his vision for justice and governance.

During his swearing-in ceremony at the White House on Friday, Patel reflected on his parents’ journey from Uganda and Tanzania, where they were part of the Asian community expelled by former Ugandan President Idi Amin in 1972.

Patel’s mother was born in Tanzania, while his father was born in Uganda. Like thousands of other Asians in the region, his family was forced to flee Uganda when Amin ordered the expulsion of Asians, an action that led to the displacement of about 60,000 people.

“My parents lost everything in a matter of days. They had to start anew in a foreign land, and their resilience is the foundation of everything I stand for today,” Patel said.

He noted that many Asian families, including his, sought refuge in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. They had lived in East Africa for generations, having arrived during British colonial rule as traders, civil servants, and railway workers, yet they found themselves forced to leave the only homes they had known.

Parents’ struggles

Patel said that witnessing his parents’ struggles instilled in him a strong respect for law and order — values he has carried throughout his career.

“Growing up in a household where survival was an everyday lesson, I learned the importance of security, fairness, and justice. I saw what happened when a government turned against its own people,” he said.

Patel’s legal career began as a public defender in Miami-Dade before he transitioned to national security prosecution at the US Department of Justice. There, he handled international terrorism cases, some of which involved East Africa. His work later took him to the Pentagon where he helped shape US counterterrorism policies.

Throughout his career, Patel’s professional journey has brought him back to East Africa, where he has worked on counterterrorism cases in Kenya and Uganda. His expertise in transnational crime and extremist networks has been instrumental in shaping security strategies.

“The rule of law is what stands between stability and chaos. When governments fail to protect their people, justice must find a way,” Patel said.

East Africa’s security landscape

His knowledge of East Africa’s security landscape, influenced by his family’s history, has also played a role in his counterterrorism work, particularly in tracking extremist groups operating in the region.

He first gained national recognition as senior counsel for the House Intelligence Committee, where he was involved in high-profile investigations into Russian interference in US elections. Later, as a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, Patel became known for his strong criticism of the intelligence community and federal bureaucracy.

His book, Government Gangsters, details his belief that the US justice system had been compromised by political bias. Despite facing criticism, Patel remained steadfast in his commitment to reforming law enforcement institutions.

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• World
• Donald Trump
• Kash Patel
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• FBI
• Idi Amin
• Uganda Asians
• Shaped by his East African roots
• new FBI director Kash Patel promises integrity and fairness

He is now the first FBI director of Indian-American descent with East African roots, making his appointment a historic milestone. His story mirrors the journey of many immigrant families who overcame displacement to contribute significantly to their adopted countries.

“For me, leading the FBI is not just about domestic security; it’s about fostering strong international partnerships, including those with law enforcement agencies in East Africa,” Patel said.

“Security is global, and our partnerships must reflect that reality.”

Mixed reactions

His appointment has however sparked mixed reactions. While some commend his strong stance on law enforcement and counterterrorism, others remain sceptical of his close ties to President Trump.

However, Patel has expressed confidence in his ability to lead with integrity and fairness.

With this appointment, Patel now ranks among the top five most powerful figures in US national security, alongside the CIA Director, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the head of the Secret Service. His new role places him at the centre of crucial decisions impacting both US and global security.

Patel’s confirmation by the Republican-controlled US Senate was approved by a narrow 51-49 vote on Thursday. President Trump officially signed the commission, making Patel the ninth FBI director.

The White House hailed his confirmation as a crucial step in restoring integrity and upholding the rule of law.

“So far, the Senate has approved all of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, underscoring his continued influence over the Republican Party,” the White House said in a statement.

At his Senate confirmation hearing, Patel was accompanied by his parents, sister, and girlfriend, country singer and commentator Alexis Wilkins. In a deeply personal moment, he bowed to touch his parents’ feet in a traditional Hindu gesture of respect before greeting them with ‘Jai Shri Krishna.’

Uphold FBI mission

Now at the helm of the FBI, Patel has vowed to uphold the agency’s mission while addressing internal challenges. He emphasised the need to root out corruption, protect civil liberties and strengthen the agency’s counterterrorism efforts.

“My parents’ journey from East Africa to America was not just a migration, it was a testament to survival, resilience, and the pursuit of justice,” Patel said.

“That is the spirit I bring to this role.”

As he takes on one of the most powerful law enforcement roles in the world, Patel’s East African heritage remains central to his story, shaping his leadership at the FBI and his approach to justice on a global scale.