Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officers arrest Sony Sugar staff

EACC Chairman Mumo Matemu (Left holding flag) together with Migori County Deputy Governor Mahanga Mwita flag off a caravan that will be spearheading educational campaigns on corruption in Migori County

An employee of Sony Sugar Company is in trouble after he was arrested taking a bribe of Sh60,000 to allegedly help a client procure a scrap metal deal.

The senior investigations officer is among three others suspected of extorting money from a trader in order to help him win a scrap metal tender with the Awendo-based company.

Already, the company's top security personnel have been relieved of their duties as they await further charges to be preferred on them.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Nyanza Region Senior Manager Charles Rasugu said the accused officer working as an investigations supervisor, is alleged to have demanded and received a bribe of Sh 60,000 from a dealer who was interested in buying the waste metal.

Mr Rasugu said the trader had complained that the officer had demanded a bribe to influence the collection of scrap metal of about 100 tonnes, which can be valued at around Sh3.6 million.

It was reported that a construction company had already won the tender of collecting the material.

"EACC officials set a trap and successfully arrested the security officer in Awendo while he was taking the bribe and handed him to the police in the town," said Rasugu.

The suspect was arrested and detained at Awendo Police Station, where he was later released on a cash bail of Sh10,000. "The suspect is set to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court to face corruption charges as per the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.

The case will start on October 23. The arrest was made as EACC Chairman Mumo Matemu launched a partnership with Migori government to fight the vice.