The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Thursday arrested an Assistant County Commissioner for Roysambu Division in Nairobi after she was accused of bribery.
The official was taken into custody following allegations that she demanded a bribe of Sh50,000 from a resident of Mathare Slum in exchange for the return of construction materials that had been confiscated during the demolition of the complainant’s structure, which was said to have been illegally constructed on a road reserve.
The Assistant County Commissioner, in collaboration with a local Chief, coordinated the demolition of the structure in Mathare North, confiscating all construction materials, including iron sheets and window frames, which were kept in her office.
The EACC received a complaint regarding the incident and immediately launched undercover investigations, which substantiated the bribe demand.
During a meeting at the Assistant County Commissioner’s office, the complainant pleaded for leniency and requested a reduction in the bribe amount. Eventually, an agreement was reached to lower the demand to Sh25,000, on the condition that the payment be made promptly and in full.
Consequently, on June 14, 2023, the EACC apprehended both the Assistant County Commissioner and the agent assigned to collect the bribe money on her behalf.
However, as the EACC moved in to arrest the agent, he attempted to flee, throwing the KES 25,000 into the crowd of onlookers in Mathare. Chaos ensued as residents scrambled to grab the scattered money.
Following the arrests, the Assistant County Commissioner and the agent were taken to the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station, where they provided statements on the incident.
They were released on police bail while the EACC continues its investigation and prepares to recommend appropriate charges to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
