The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a clerical officer attached to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) headquarters over allegations of demanding a bribe to facilitate the processing of a driving licence.
The officer, identified as Joseph Njoroge Kihuna, was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint by a matatu driver who accused him of requesting Sh18,000 in exchange for helping secure the licence.
According to the EACC, the suspect was apprehended within the NTSA headquarters while allegedly receiving Sh8,000, said to be part of the demanded amount.
The arrest followed investigations launched after the matatu driver reported the alleged bribery demand to the commission.
The complainant claimed the officer had sought the money to facilitate the issuance of the driving licence, prompting investigators to pursue the matter.
After his arrest, Kihuna was taken to the EACC’s Integrity Centre for processing. He was later released on a cash bail of Sh50,000 as investigations into the allegations continue.
The commission did not indicate when the remaining amount was allegedly expected to be paid or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the licence application.
The case adds to the commission’s efforts to investigate suspected corruption involving public officers and the delivery of government services.
In its statement, the EACC reiterated its commitment to addressing bribery at service delivery points, saying the efforts were aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring citizens can access services without improper demands for payment.
The commission’s mandate includes investigating allegations of corruption and economic crimes, as well as pursuing measures intended to promote integrity and accountability in public institutions.
The EACC’s action followed a specific complaint from a matatu driver, with investigators moving to arrest the officer during the alleged receipt of part of the money.
However, the allegations against Kihuna have not been determined by a court. His release on cash bail does not amount to a finding of guilt, and investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the complaint.
The commission said it would continue pursuing suspected bribery cases involving public service delivery as part of efforts to improve accountability and protect citizens from corrupt practices.
