EACC arrests man posing as Nairobi official in Sh100,000 job scam

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a man impersonating a senior Nairobi County official while attempting to extort Sh100,000 from a citizen in exchange for a job.

The suspect, William Otieno Okoth, is accused of posing as the Personal Assistant to the County Secretary of Nairobi City County, Godfrey Akumali.

According to EACC, Okoth allegedly promised the complainant that he could secure a cleaner’s position in the county government for the complainant’s wife if he was paid the bribe.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Commission revealed that Okoth assured the complainant that his influence within the county government would guarantee a quick issuance of an employment letter once the money was paid.

“The suspect hoodwinked the complainant into believing that as the ‘PA to the secretary,’ he enjoyed massive influence in the affairs of the County and would promptly facilitate the issuance of an employment letter after the complainant buys him ‘tea’ at Sh100,000,” EACC said.

ARREST OF A SUSPECTED FRAUDSTER IMPERSONATING A NAIROBI COUNTY OFFICIAL
The Commission has arrested one William Otieno Okoth who, while pretending to be the Personal Assistant to the County Secretary of Nairobi City County, demanded Kes100,000 bribe from the complainant… pic.twitter.com/GXbIjcwAfw

— EACC (@EACCKenya) September 25, 2024

However, the complainant, growing suspicious of the demands, reported the case to the EACC. The anti-corruption body said it set up a sting operation that led to Okoth’s arrest outside Trattoria Restaurant in Nairobi’s Central Business District after receiving the bribe.

Okoth was taken to the EACC’s Integrity Centre Police Station for processing before being transferred to Kilimani Police Station, where he remains in custody for further questioning.

According to the Penal Code of Kenya, “Where any person who falsely represents himself to be a person employed in the public service, and assumes to do any act or to attend in any place for the purpose of doing an act by virtue of such employment is guilty of a misdemeanour.”

The EACC said it is committed to curbing corruption, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any fraudulent activities.