BUSIA, Kenya – A clerk at the Busia Law Courts has been arrested over allegations of demanding and receiving a Sh180,000 bribe to influence the outcome of a criminal case pending before the court.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) identified the suspect as Wesley Kipkoech Langat, who was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, following investigations into a bribery complaint.
According to the EACC, Langat allegedly sought the money on behalf of a presiding magistrate in exchange for a favourable outcome in the case.
Clerk allegedly demanded money for lenient penalty
The commission said investigations began after it received a complaint alleging that the magistrate, through the court clerk, demanded money from an accused person as an inducement for a lenient penalty.
The criminal case reportedly involves a commercial vehicle that had been impounded by police over alleged traffic offences.
EACC said the alleged payment was intended to secure a softer outcome for the complainant and six co-accused persons facing proceedings in the case.
Following the complaint, EACC detectives launched investigations to establish whether the alleged demand would be acted upon.
The investigation culminated in an operation during which Langat was allegedly arrested shortly after receiving the Sh180,000.
Suspect in EACC custody
Following his arrest, Langat was taken to the EACC’s Western Regional Office in Bungoma, where he remained in custody as investigators processed the case.
He is expected to be booked at Bungoma Police Station before being presented in court to face bribery-related charges.
The arrest comes a day after EACC announced the arrest of two police officers over an alleged Sh100,000 bribery demand in Mombasa.
The commission has continued to intensify investigations into corruption allegations involving public officers, urging members of the public to report suspected bribery and abuse of office.
