Kilifi County Revenue Officer Arrested Over Alleged Ksh 435,000 Bribe

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a revenue officer from the Kilifi County Government over alleged bribery and abuse of office in Watamu.

EACC officers arrested Sylvia Dhahabu Karisa, a building inspector in the approvals section of Watamu Municipality. Investigators say she demanded money from a complainant to facilitate construction approval.

According to the complaint, county revenue officers visited a construction site in the Timboni area.

They demanded a total of Ksh 435,000. This included Ksh 73,000 for wall construction and Ksh 362,000 for other structures.

The complainant claimed the officers inflated the charges to benefit themselves personally.

EACC confirmed it received the complaint on March 25, 2026. The agency then launched preliminary investigations. These inquiries established that the suspect had demanded a bribe of KSh 400,000.

Crackdown on Bribery in Service Delivery

Following the findings, EACC mounted an operation on March 26, 2026. Officers arrested Karisa at the Watamu municipal offices. They later escorted her to the EACC Upper Coast Regional Office in Malindi for processing.

“Our investigations confirmed that the suspect solicited a bribe from the complainant. We acted swiftly to apprehend her and prevent further abuse of office.” EACC stated.

Also Read: EACC Moves to Recover Ksh 13 Million Linked to Ksh 283 Million Cemetery Land Scandal

After processing, officers took Karisa to Malindi Police Station. Authorities later released her on a cash bail of KSh 20,000 as investigations continue.

Warning to Public Officers

Meanwhile, EACC has issued a strong warning to public officials. The agency urged them to uphold integrity in service delivery. It emphasized that corruption denies citizens access to essential services.

“The Commission cautions public officers against engaging in corrupt practices. We remain committed to eradicating bribery at service delivery points.” EACC said in a statement.

Also Read: EACC Busts Official Over Bribe, Finds Ksh 100,000 Hidden in Socks

The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to tackle corruption at the county level. EACC has intensified operations across the country in recent months. These efforts aim to restore public trust and improve accountability in public institutions.

Investigations into the matter are still ongoing, and EACC has indicated that more arrests could follow if further evidence emerges.

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