EACC has arrested a government official from Meru County for allegedly soliciting bribes to process land approvals.
The officer, a member of the Tigania West Lands Control Board, was caught demanding a bribe from a complainant who had sold his land and needed board approval to transfer ownership.
According to the EACC, detectives received a tip-off from the complainant, who reported that the suspect had requested an illegal payment to facilitate the land transfer process.
Acting swiftly, EACC investigators set up a sting operation, which led to the suspect’s arrest while receiving the bribe.
“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a Tigania West Lands Control Board member on an allegation of soliciting bribes from members of the public to process approvals on various land matters,” read part of the commission’s statement.
During the arrest, investigators recovered Ksh 70,000, believed to be proceeds of corruption. The suspect was immediately booked at Isiolo Police Station and is currently undergoing further interrogation as authorities prepare to charge him in court.
Land corruption has been a persistent problem in Kenya, with cases of bribery, forgery, and illegal land transactions being reported frequently. The arrest of the Tigania West official highlights some of the major issues plaguing Kenya’s land sector:
Delays in Processing Approvals: Many landowners struggle to obtain approvals because officials demand bribes to speed up the process.
Land Grabbing and Fraud: Some corrupt officials facilitate fraudulent transactions, leading to cases where individuals lose their rightful land ownership.
Injustice to the Poor: Many ordinary citizens, especially those in rural areas, are unable to access land services without paying hefty bribes, denying them their rightful property rights.
The EACC has urged Kenyans to report cases of bribery and corruption in land transactions, emphasizing that no public officer should demand payment for services that are legally free.
The latest arrests in Meru County reflect the EACC’s intensified efforts to combat corruption across the country. The commission has vowed to crack down on corrupt officials, regardless of their rank or political affiliations.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde recently reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding integrity and bringing corrupt individuals to justice.
“We are determined to ensure that those who misuse public office for personal gain are held accountable. Corruption remains a major obstacle to Kenya’s progress, and we will not relent in our efforts,” he stated.
Some of the measures the EACC has put in place to fight corruption include:
Public Awareness Campaigns: Encouraging citizens to report corruption and educating them on their rights.
Collaboration with Other Agencies: Working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure timely prosecutions.
Use of Technology: Enhancing digital systems to minimize human interaction in processes prone to corruption, such as land transactions and public appointments.
The arrested individuals from Meru county are now facing legal action, with their cases set to proceed in court. If convicted, they could face heavy fines, imprisonment, or both, as per Kenya’s anti-corruption laws.