KILIFI, Kenya — The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a revenue officer attached to the Kilifi County Government over allegations of bribery and abuse of office in a construction approval scheme.
The suspect, Sylvia Dhahabu Karisa, is a building inspector in the approvals section at Watamu Municipality. She is accused of demanding Sh435,000 from a complainant to facilitate the issuance of a construction permit.
According to EACC, the case arose after a complaint was filed on March 25, 2026, alleging that county revenue officers had visited a construction site in the Timboni area of Watamu and issued inflated charges.
The officers allegedly demanded Sh73,000 for a perimeter wall and an additional Sh362,000 for other structures—figures the complainant said were deliberately exaggerated for personal gain.
Preliminary investigations by the commission confirmed that a bribe demand of Sh400,000 had been made.
EACC officers mounted an operation on March 26, 2026, leading to Karisa’s arrest at the Watamu municipal offices.
She was subsequently escorted to the EACC Upper Coast Regional Office in Malindi for processing before being booked at Malindi Police Station.
The suspect was later released on a cash bail of Sh20,000 pending the completion of investigations.
The commission has warned public officers against engaging in corrupt practices, particularly at service delivery points where citizens seek essential approvals and permits.
EACC reiterated its commitment to rooting out bribery in county governments, noting that such practices undermine public trust and deny citizens access to fair and efficient services.
The case underscores ongoing efforts by anti-graft agencies to clamp down on petty corruption, which remains widespread in approval processes across counties.
