EACC arrests two over Sh20,000 bribe in officer impersonation scam

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two suspects accused of impersonating its officers and extorting money from the public. The duo were apprehended after receiving a Sh20,000 bribe in a sting operation.

The agency said the suspects falsely claimed to investigate victims, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report such incidents immediately to prevent further fraud.

In a statement released on Monday, the commission said the suspects, Annastacia Mueni Kavemba and Stephen Muleu Ngati, were apprehended following a complaint lodged on March 29, 2026.

According to investigators, the scheme involved falsely presenting themselves as officials of the anti-corruption body to intimidate victims and solicit bribes.

The commission said that one of the suspects initiated contact with the complainant and misrepresented her identity in an attempt to create fear and urgency.

“Mueni contacted the complainant and identified herself as an EACC officer,” the statement said, outlining how the alleged deception was carried out.

It added that she further claimed that the complainant was under active investigation by the commission.

The agency say the suspect then attempted to exploit the situation by demanding money in exchange for favourable treatment.

According to the report, she “claimed that the complainant was under investigation and demanded money to influence the outcome of the case and prevent further action.”

Such tactics, officials say, are increasingly being used by fraudsters who rely on the authority and reputation of public institutions to deceive victims into making payments.

Following the complaint, the EACC launched a targeted operation aimed at apprehending the suspects. Investigators monitored the situation closely, allowing the alleged transaction to proceed under controlled conditions.

The operation culminated in the arrest of the two individuals shortly after money changed hands.

The commission confirmed that the suspects were “apprehended following a complaint lodged on March 29, 2026,” and were arrested immediately after receiving a bribe of Sh20,000.

The arrests took place as part of a coordinated effort by EACC officers to clamp down on impersonation and corruption-related offences, which continue to pose a challenge to law enforcement agencies in Kenya.

The suspects are currently being held at the commission’s headquarters in Nairobi. According to the statement, they are “currently at the EACC Headquarters at Integrity Centre for statement recording and further processing.”

The Integrity Centre, which houses the EACC offices, serves as the focal point for investigations and enforcement actions related to corruption and economic crimes in the country.

While the investigation is ongoing, the commission has reiterated its warning to members of the public about the risks posed by individuals impersonating government officials.

In its advisory, the EACC urged vigilance and swift reporting of suspicious activities. It stated that it “urges the public to remain vigilant and to report any incidents of bribery and extortion immediately.”

Cases of impersonation involving public officials have been on the rise, often involving fraudsters who exploit public fear of legal consequences to extract money.

The agency say such crimes not only harm individuals financially but also undermine trust in public institutions.

The latest arrests reaffirm the commission’s commitment to addressing corruption in all its forms, including schemes that rely on deception and impersonation.

As investigations continue, the EACC is expected to pursue further action against the suspects, including possible prosecution, while also working to identify any additional victims or accomplices linked to the scheme.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the identity of individuals claiming to represent government agencies and of reporting any suspicious requests for payment through official channels.