EACC Arrests Uasin Gishu CECM Over Alleged Bribery Scandal

Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have apprehended Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, and Housing, Janet Kosgei, over allegations of extorting members of the public to provide services.

Kosgei was arrested on Wednesday evening following a raid by EACC officers from the North Rift Regional Office in Eldoret. The raid was prompted by multiple complaints of corruption from the public.

EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi revealed that Kosgei had allegedly been demanding bribes ranging from Ksh.100,000 to Ksh.300,000 from individuals seeking land-related services from the county government.

“The suspect allegedly established a culture of demanding to see and authorize all service approvals under processing, even where her office had no role, and required a facilitation fee to be paid to her by each service seeker,” Ngumbi stated.

During the operation, two county enforcement officers, Sergeants Geoffrey Lang’at and Jeremiah Kipkemoi, were also arrested for obstructing the EACC officers. The duo reportedly attempted to attack the detectives during the apprehension of Kosgei but were subdued and detained for obstruction.

The three suspects were initially held at Eldoret Central Police Station before being transferred to the EACC North Rift Regional Offices for further processing and statement recording.

This development underscores the EACC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and uphold accountability within public offices. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.