KISUMU, Kenya — A police officer attached to the Mamboleo Police Post in Kisumu has been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly soliciting and receiving a bribe to block the prosecution of a suspect.
The EACC on January 28 arrested Sergeant Gilbert Kiama Oduor after he was caught receiving Sh15,000 from a complainant at the Winam Law Courts.
According to the Commission, investigations were launched after a report that the officer had demanded a bribe from a relative of a man who had been taken into custody on allegations of possessing bhang.
The probe established that officers from Mamboleo Police Post, accompanied by the area chief, raided the home of John Oluoch on January 23.
Although no drugs were recovered during the operation, Oluoch was arrested and booked at the police post.
EACC investigators say that when the complainant followed up on the arrest, they were directed to Sergeant Kiama, who allegedly demanded the bribe in exchange for ensuring that Oluoch would not be arraigned in court.
Further findings revealed that while Oluoch remained in custody between January 23 and January 28, officers at the post allegedly allowed him to solicit money from relatives to raise the demanded bribe. Despite this, he was eventually taken to court on January 28.
Acting on the complaint, EACC officers mounted an operation that led to the arrest of Sergeant Kiama as he received the money at the Winam Law Courts.
The suspect was later booked at the Railways and Ports Police Station before being released on bond pending the conclusion of investigations.
In a statement, the Commission warned public officers against engaging in corrupt practices, reiterating its commitment to stamping out bribery at public service delivery points to improve access to justice and quality services for citizens.
