The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has intensified its fight against graft by arresting four public officials in separate operations across Kwale and Bungoma counties. The arrests come at a time when the country is gearing up for the 2027 General Election, with the anti-corruption body warning of the dangers of dirty money in politics.
In Kwale County, EACC officers from the Lower Coast Regional Office in Mombasa arrested two Kenya Power security officials, Joseph Dena and Fredrick Odhiambo, after they allegedly solicited a bribe of one hundred thousand shillings from a member of the public.
According to reports, the officers accused the complainant of using electricity illegally and demanded money in exchange for helping him secure his release and protecting him from legal action.
The second operation took place in Bungoma County, where EACC arrested Victoria Mala Nafula and Elizabeth Nafuna Lukhale, both Law Enforcement and Compliance officers working with the Bungoma County Government in Kimilili Municipality.
The two officers are accused of demanding money from a cyber café operator to allow the business to continue operating without a licence. They allegedly threatened to shut down the business if the owner failed to pay the requested bribe.
Following preliminary investigations, the Commission conducted an operation that led to the arrest of the officers as they allegedly received money from the complainants. The suspects were taken to their respective police stations to record statements.
In Mombasa, Dena and Odhiambo were released on a cash bail of twenty thousand shillings each after recording statements at Mombasa Central Police Station. Similarly, the Bungoma suspects were released on the same bail amount as investigations continue.
The arrests highlight the Commission's determination to root out corruption at all levels of service delivery. These operations are targeting public servants who use their positions to extort money from ordinary citizens, undermining the quality of services and eroding public trust in government institutions.
Beyond the arrests, EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde has sounded a strong warning to religious leaders and the general public about the dangers of funding political campaigns with illicit money.
Speaking on Thursday, September 3rd, Oginde cautioned that accepting or benefiting from proceeds of corruption, money laundering, and unexplained wealth undermines efforts to build a society founded on ethical leadership and integrity.
Oginde stressed that there is simply no way Kenya can build a society of integrity if political leaders and their supporters benefit from illicit resources. He warned that politicians who finance their election campaigns using proceeds of corruption and money laundering could later be compelled to reward those who bankroll their activities through corrupt government deals, including inflated tenders and manipulated procurement processes.
The EACC has specifically urged religious leaders to reject and refrain from legitimizing illicit funds ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Commission is concerned that dirty money could distort voters' choices and fuel corruption in government.
Religious institutions and leaders have been asked to take responsibility for avoiding the legitimization of funds whose sources are questionable.
Oginde further emphasized that election campaigns should focus on the quality of leadership, values, and principles of candidates rather than the amount of money they are able to spend. The chairperson cautioned that illicit wealth gives wealthy candidates an unfair advantage and distorts voters' ability to choose leaders based on merit.
The push by EACC to educate the public about the dangers of corruption in politics reflects growing concerns about how money influences elections and governance. As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, the Commission is working to ensure that the electoral process is not compromised by corrupt practices and illicit financing.
These arrests and warnings send a clear message to public servants and politicians alike that the fight against corruption is intensifying. The Commission has made it clear that it will not tolerate officials who abuse their positions to extort money from members of the public, regardless of their rank or the institutions they serve.
0 Comments