The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested four members of the Gatundu North Constituency NG-CDF Committee over allegations of extorting Sh300,000 from a contractor in exchange for approving a Sh9.1 million payment.
According to the Commission, the arrests followed a formal complaint that the officials had demanded a bribe to authorise payment for completed projects at Karure Primary School in Gatundu North.
Alleged Demand for Bribe
Preliminary investigations indicate that the contractor had successfully undertaken three development projects at the school.
These included the construction of a modern kitchen, levelling and landscaping works within the compound, and the renovation of an administration block alongside six classrooms.
The projects were reportedly completed on January 31, 2026. Upon completion, the contractor formally requested payment amounting to Sh9.1 million.
However, the four committee members allegedly blocked the payment, claiming there were unresolved issues — which investigators now believe may have been used as leverage to demand a bribe.
On February 23, 2026, the complainant allegedly met three of the suspects, who are said to have demanded Sh300,000 to refrain from objecting to the release of funds.
Arrest During Operation
The anti-graft agency mounted an operation on February 25, 2026. The suspects were arrested at the school premises while reportedly receiving Sh250,000 from the contractor as part of the demanded amount.
Following their arrest, they were escorted to the Integrity Centre in Nairobi for processing before being booked at Kilimani Police Station.
The suspects were later released on a cash bail of Sh40,000 each as investigations continue.
EACC Reaffirms Anti-Corruption Commitment
In a statement, the Commission reiterated its commitment to eliminating bribery at service delivery points, stressing that corruption undermines public trust and delays community development projects.
The Commission, established under Section 3(1) of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2011, is mandated to combat and prevent corruption, economic crimes, and unethical conduct through enforcement, prevention strategies, and public awareness initiatives.
It gathers reports of corruption from various sources including members of the public, government agencies, private sector officials, and the media.
Complaints can be lodged at its headquarters at Integrity Centre, regional offices, and Huduma Centres nationwide.
The latest arrests underscore renewed efforts to clamp down on corruption within devolved funds, particularly the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), which plays a crucial role in grassroots development across the country.
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