Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested three officials from the Ministry of Labour for allegedly extorting agents facilitating migrant workers travelling to the Middle East.
In a statement on Monday, December 1, EACC said the officials who are stationed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) were apprehended on Sunday, November 30.
The arrest of the three suspects followed a report to EACC alleging that Ministry of Labour officials at JKIA routinely solicit and receive bribes for each migrant worker travelling to the Middle East.
EACC commenced investigations into the complaint and directed that agents were being asked to pay Ksh500 per worker before the workers were cleared to travel.
“On 30th November 2025, the Commission carried out an operation in collaboration with one of the agents who had 78 migrant workers travelling to the Middle East. At JKIA, the agent met the three Labour Officers manning the booth, and after tabulating the total amount, the officers demanded and received Ksh34,000,” EACC stated.
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EACC investigators immediately moved in, arrested the suspects, and recovered the Ksh34,000 from them.
The three suspects include: Benson Ouma Okello, Esther Njoki Gakuru and Denis Marias.
Following the arrest, the trio was escorted to EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre for processing and statement recording.
The three suspects are set to be released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 each, pending completion of the investigation.
This comes weeks after Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Board Chairperson Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea was arrested over allegations of bribery, extortion, and unexplained wealth.
In a statement on November 14, EACC said its officers began the investigation after receiving reports that Kabeabea had allegedly been soliciting money from both local and foreign investors.
"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) today, 14 November 2025, conducted a search operation at the residence and offices of Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea, Chairperson of the Board of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
"The operation is part of ongoing investigations into allegations of bribery, extortion of local and foreign investors, and acquisition of unexplained wealth," the statement read.
According to EACC, court orders authorising the search were obtained after preliminary findings revealed fresh claims of bribery made by a Chinese investor operating in the automotive sector.
"The search follows court orders secured after preliminary findings indicated that on 11th November 2025, Kabeabea allegedly demanded a Ksh5 million bribe from a Chinese investor trading as Hongda Automotive Limited.
"He is accused of threatening to arrest investors for alleged involvement in counterfeit trade unless a bribe was paid,” EACC added.
