Editor's Review

The EACC arrested four officials from the National Treasury's Pensions Department following investigations into a bribery scheme that fleeced Kenyans of over Ksh10.5 million.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested four officials from the National Treasury's Pensions Department following investigations into a bribery scheme that allegedly fleeced Kenyans of over Ksh10.5 million. 

In a statement on Thursday, July 17, EACC said the suspects, Wilkens Muhando Mugatsia, Henry Odhaimbo Otira, Catherine Muthoni Murage, and Byrson Mark were arrested after a two-month long undercover operation.

"Following the said allegations, the Commission undertook a detailed undercover operation for the last two months that led to the arrest of Wilkens Muhando Mugatsia, an intern at the Pensions Department; Henry Odhaimbo Otira, Senior Pensions Officer; Catherine Muthoni Murage, Senior Pensions officer, and Byrson Mark, Chief Clerical Officer," the statement read.

EACC disclosed that the suspects had formed a syndicate to exploit desperate pensioners and members of the public seeking services at the department.

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File image of the National Treasury

According to the agency, bribes were reportedly solicited to hasten service delivery.

"Preliminary investigations have established a criminal syndicate involving pension officials who have been extorting members of the public seeking services at the Pensions Department. 

"It is alleged that the officials demand payment of bribes through a paybill account operated by one Wilkens Muhando Mugatsia, an intern at the Pensions Department in return for expedited services," the statement added.

The EACC investigation revealed that over Ksh10.5 million had passed through the paybill account linked to the scam, which was reportedly registered under the intern’s mother’s name in an effort to conceal the scheme.

"In the last two years, a total of Ksh10,523,044 has been transacted through the paybill account, with the above suspects receiving various amounts. Further investigation reveals that the said paybill account is registered in the name of Mr. Muhando's mother," the statement further reads.

The four suspects were processed at the Integrity Centre Police Station before being escorted to Kilimani Police Station, where they are being held as investigations continue.