Nairobi, Kenya – November 5, 2023
In a significant development in the ongoing battle against corruption in Kenya, a high-ranking police officer has been apprehended by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The arrest comes after allegations of soliciting a bribe of Sh5,000 to secure the release of four individuals detained for drunkenness and disorderly conduct.
The officer in question, identified as the Ruai sub-county police commander, was arrested on Saturday evening following a formal complaint filed against him. The police report, obtained by Capital FM News, states that the arrest occurred at approximately 1650 hours.
According to the report, the EACC officers arrested the Officer in Charge of Station (OCS) in Ruai based on allegations that he had received three thousand shillings, considered a bribe, in exchange for securing the release of four detainees held on charges of being drunk and disorderly. This shocking incident raises concerns about corruption within the Kenyan police force, as officers are expected to uphold the law and serve as role models for the community.
Subsequent to his arrest, the police officer was escorted to the EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre for further questioning. Meanwhile, the four detainees who were at the center of this alleged bribery case remain in custody, awaiting their scheduled arraignment on Monday.
This arrest comes at a time when the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has intensified its efforts to crack down on corrupt individuals within the public service and other departments across the country. The agency’s commitment to rooting out corruption is evident in its proactive approach to tackling such cases and holding public officials accountable.
In a similar case just last September, EACC agents apprehended a senior security official from Kiambu. Inspector George Chacha, the Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) for Ikino Police Station in Kiambu County, was arrested along with his accomplice, Constable Elizabeth Mwongeli Muthoka. The two faced allegations of demanding a Ksh 50,000 “motivation fee” from a complainant to comply with a court order. This demand was made in exchange for the release of the complainant’s motor vehicle, which had allegedly been withheld without a valid cause, in defiance of a valid court order.
The string of arrests underscores the EACC’s dedication to eradicating corruption within various sectors of the government. Corruption not only undermines public trust but also hinders progress and development in the country. The Commission’s efforts to hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions send a strong message that corrupt practices will not be tolerated.
As Kenya strives to create a transparent and accountable system, the actions of the EACC play a vital role in ensuring that those responsible for upholding the law are themselves held accountable. This recent arrest serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and those who engage in corrupt activities will face the consequences of their actions.
The EACC’s vigilance in tackling corruption is a beacon of hope for the country as it takes significant steps toward a more transparent and just society. The fight against corruption is far from over, but each arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in corrupt practices brings Kenya one step closer to achieving its goals of accountability and integrity in public service.