The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested the Bomet County Director of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Samuel Kariuki Ngaanga, for allegedly soliciting and receiving a bribe of Ksh.25,000. The arrest took place in Bomet town following a sting operation by the anti-graft agency.
According to EACC, the suspect demanded the bribe from a local businessman operating a lodging facility in Mulot, Bomet County. Kariuki is accused of asking for the money in exchange for allowing the facility to continue operating without an Effluent Discharge License and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) both mandatory requirements under environmental laws in Kenya.
The Commission revealed that it received a complaint earlier this week and, after conducting swift preliminary investigations, planned and executed the operation that led to Kariuki’s arrest. “The suspect was nabbed while receiving the bribe and was immediately escorted to Bomet Police Station for further processing,” said EACC in a statement.
At the police station, the suspect was interrogated, his statement recorded, and he was booked for the offences of soliciting and receiving a bribe. He was later released on a Ksh.30,000 cash bail pending further investigations.
EACC emphasized that such actions undermine environmental protection efforts and the integrity of regulatory institutions. “We remain committed to fighting corruption at all levels and ensuring public officers adhere to the law and ethical standards,” the commission added.
The case comes amid increasing calls for accountability in public service and stricter enforcement of anti-corruption laws, especially within regulatory agencies like NEMA that play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and the environment.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report any instances of bribery or corruption involving government officials to EACC through their toll-free lines or regional offices.
As investigations continue, EACC has assured the public that all legal procedures will be followed, and if evidence is sufficient, the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
