The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a judicial officer in Eldoret over bribery allegations.
According to reports from the commission, the EACC North Rift Regional Manager, Kuntai Ole Tingisha, confirmed to Kenya News Agency that sleuths from the ant-graft agents arrested a Court Assistant, Linet Okungu, over a land case pending in the court.
“Indeed a judicial officer attached to Eldoret court has been arrested over allegations she had solicited and received a bribe linked to a pending land court matter,” confirmed Tingisha.
According to the EACC investigators, Okungu allegedly took Sh20,000 as part of a larger sum sought to secure a stay order blocking the auction of a parcel of land.
KNA has since established the arrest following a complaint from a court user who claimed a magistrate had demanded Sh50,000 to issue the order.
An investigator involved elaborated, “The complainant’s report was clear and specific. We moved quickly, recovered the money, and effected the arrest. Investigations into the full circumstances, including any possible involvement of other parties, are ongoing.”
The Court Assistant was processed at Eldoret Police Station and later released on a cash bail of Sh20,000 pending the conclusion of investigations.
Tingisha said the arrest demonstrates the commission’s determination to root out corruption at points of service delivery.
“The arrest sends a clear message that no one is above the law, whether in the judiciary or any other public office,” Tingisha said.
“We will continue to act decisively against those who demand or receive bribes to perform their official duties. Kenyans deserve efficient and clean public services without having to other illegal fees,” he added.
By Maurice Aluda
