By Collins Wanzallah
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Tuesday arrested a civil society leader on allegations of soliciting a bribe. Peter Odhiambo Agoro, the Chairperson of the Consortium of Civil Societies in Kenya, was apprehended for extorting Sh3 million from the Chief Executive Officer of a State Corporation.
He was taken to the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station in Nairobi, where he was processed before being arraigned in court for plea-taking.
Confirming the arrest, the Commission’s Spokesperson, Eric Ngumbi, revealed that Agoro had demanded the bribe as an inducement and facilitation fee to avoid pursuing and publicising accusations of procurement malpractices he claimed to have against the parastatal CEO. However, Ngumbi did not disclose the name of the CEO allegedly targeted for extortion.
“The suspect agreed to reduce the demanded amount to Sh2 million, which was to be paid in two instalments: Sh1.5 million today (Tuesday) and Sh500,000 at a later date,” Ngumbi said.
He added that, unbeknownst to Agoro, the complainant had already notified the EACC of the matter.
Ngumbi further stated that EACC officers conducted an operation this morning, leading to Agoro’s arrest after he received the first instalment of Sh1.5 million, equivalent to USD 10,800 and Sh100,000 in cash.
“He will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Ngumbi said in a press statement.