Kenya Power officer arrested while receiving Sh50,000 bribe

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) sleuths yesterday arrested a Kenya Power staff, who allegedly demanded a Sh300,000 bribe to reconnect power to the premises of a Kirinyaga County businessman.

EACC Central Regional Manager Charles Rasugu said the businessman, who operates a coffin business in Kerugoya town, told the suspect he could only manage Sh50,000. The businessman reported the matter to EACC detectives, who laid a trap and nabbed the officer receiving the cash.

 “EACC officers have been trailing the suspect and caught him in the act at the premises of the businessman,” said Rasugu. Kirinyaga County Police Commander Leah Kithei said the suspect was locked up at Kerugoya Police Station and would be arraigned today to be charged with soliciting and receiving a bribe.

“We demand public officers to have integrity. Anyone found demanding bribes to offer a service to the public will be arrested and prosecuted,” warned Ms Kithei. Kirinyaga County Kenya Power manager Kipruto Ruto confirmed that the suspect was a meter reader stationed at the Kerugoya offices.