The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a stern warning to the public against attempts to bribe officials during the upcoming National Police Service recruitment exercise scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025.
EACC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdi Mohamud warned parents and recruitment officers against any malpractices ahead of the exercise warning that the anti-graft agency will take stern action against those found culpable.
“In the previous mass recruitments, the Commission has received alarming reports of parents and guardians resorting to fund raising, selling family land or exhausting family savings in desperate attempts to secure jobs for their children by bribing public officials,” he said.
“Accordingly, the Commission urges the public to desist from any form of bribery in the upcoming recruitment process. Candidates should not offer any bribes, gifts or other favours to influence recruitment,” he added.
In a speech read on his behalf in Kisumu by the EACC Western Regional Manager, Eric Ngumbi during the opening of a capacity-building forum for senior officials of the County Assembly of Bungoma, Mohamud said the alert was in response to alarming reports of individuals trying to secure employment through illicit means, a practice that undermines merit, accountability, and the integrity of public institutions.
“Bribery in police recruitment has the potential to undermine merit, competence, and accountability, with consequences extending beyond the individual recruit to the citizens they serve and eventually the entire society,” the CEO said.
He warned that recruits admitted through bribery often lack the skills and integrity required for policing duties and were more likely to succumb to corrupt practices, weakening public trust in the police service.
Mohamud further directed officials involved in the recruitment process not to accept any bribes or favours but adhere to the established transparent recruitment procedures.
The forum, requested by the County Assembly of Bungoma, forms part of EACC’s broader strategy to strengthen internal controls and equip officials with the knowledge and tools to prevent corruption.
Mohamud noted that corruption remains a major obstacle to the effective implementation of devolution, with reports from oversight bodies highlighting recurring issues such as conflict of interest, fictitious payments, payroll fraud, and misappropriation of county assets.
The Commission, he said, has received over 53 reports of alleged corruption involving Bungoma County Assembly officials, including accusations of nepotism and favoritism in staff recruitment.
Recently, he added, more than 50 contractors protested at county offices, alleging that tenders were unfairly awarded to benefit select individuals.
“Kenyans demand service delivery that is transparent, accountable, and free from theft,” Mohamud said, underscoring EACC’s commitment to fighting corruption and recovering any public funds lost through illegal contracts.
He outlined the Commission’s ongoing interventions, which include monitoring capital-intensive projects, tracing and recovering unexplained wealth, addressing bribery at service-delivery points, and collaborating with regulatory and oversight agencies.
He warned that officials found facilitating irregular payments or accepting bribes would be held accountable.
By Chris Mahandara
