KISUMU, Kenya- The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a Kenya Revenue Authority official accused of receiving a Sh30,000 bribe from a construction company seeking clearance of outstanding tax arrears.
EACC identified the suspect as Hughes Obilo, an officer attached to KRA’s Debt Refunds Department in Kisumu.
According to the commission, Obilo initially demanded Sh100,000 from the company to remove tax arrears from the iTax system and facilitate the issuance of a Tax Compliance Certificate.
The company’s tax arrears had initially been indicated as Sh4.5 million before being revised to Sh142,230.
EACC said the official subsequently demanded Sh100,000 to wipe out the remaining amount from the tax system.
The complainant reportedly asked him to reduce the amount, leading to an agreement that a lower sum would be paid.
EACC detectives arrested Obilo after he allegedly received Sh30,000 from the complainant.
“The complainant pleaded with the suspect to reduce the bribe, which the suspect accepted. He subsequently received Sh30,000, leading to his arrest by EACC detectives,” the commission said.
Following his arrest, the official was taken to Kisumu Central Police Station, where he was booked pending further investigations.
He was later released on a cash bail of Sh30,000.
EACC did not immediately disclose whether the official had been suspended from duty or when he would be arraigned in court.
The commission said the operation formed part of its wider campaign against bribery at public service delivery points.
It warned public officials against using their positions to demand payments from people seeking government services.
“EACC remains committed to fighting bribery and corruption at service delivery points and will continue to take firm action against individuals who abuse public office for personal gain,” the commission said.
The arrest adds to investigations targeting corruption in tax administration and the processing of official government documents.
A Tax Compliance Certificate is issued by KRA to confirm that a taxpayer has filed the necessary tax returns and paid taxes due or entered an approved arrangement to clear outstanding obligations.
The certificate is commonly required when applying for government tenders, renewing certain licences, seeking employment in some public offices or completing other official transactions.
