EACC arrests two Nyeri court officials over Sh25,000 bribe

EACC's Jackson Mue at a workshop in Embu on May 10, 2017. He said EACC officers have arrested two court officials in Nyeri over allegations of soliciting a Sh25,000 bribe. PHOTO | CHARLES WANYORO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • EACC says the Judiciary executive officer told a guard she would ensure a case against him is withdrawn if he paid her Sh25,000. He reported the matter to the EACC.
  • Officers conducted a sting operation and arrested the court employee with Sh25,000.

Detectives from the anti-graft agency have arrested two court officials in Nyeri on allegations of soliciting a bribe of Sh25,000.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) regional director Jackson Mue said the detectives arrested the Judiciary executive officer and a court clerk at the Karatina law courts.

BRIBE

He said the two women had promised to bail out a night guard who was facing theft charges.

“The executive officer had offered to assist the complainant [guard] have the matter withdrawn on condition that he gives her Sh25,000. The complainant reported the matter to EACC Nyeri Central Region for assistance and a sting operation ensued,” said Mr Mue.

He said the money was recovered from the executive’s table drawer in her officer and a further Sh47,000 was also found in her handbag during the search.

INVESTIGATIONS

“The extra money was concealed in a handbag and we suspect it was also proceeds of corruption and crime. Investigations are ongoing on the matters to establish the circumstance under which the money was being given out,” noted Mr Mue.

He said the executive officer and the court clerk were arrested at the court premises and escorted to Nyeri Central Police Station where they were released on a bond of Sh50,000 each.

The suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the investigations.