EACC officials arrest Mombasa port tax officer over Sh800,000 bribe

Detectives from the anti-corruption watchdog on Monday arrested a senior Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) official in Mombasa for allegedly soliciting Sh800,000 to clear containers.

The officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) pounced on the tax official after laying a trap for him in his office.

The suspect spent Monday night at Central Police Station.

Mombasa EACC deputy boss Salat Ali on Tuesday said his officers went to the KRA official's office disguised as businessmen who wanted to clear their containers at the Port of Mombasa.

The undercover operation followed complaints from importers who accused the official of soliciting bribes. The man works in the scanning section of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

False accusations

Complainants claimed the suspect falsely accuses container owners of importing illegal goods and then demands kickbacks.

"He then requested Sh800,000 so that he could clear the cargo upon which he was arrested,” said Mr Ali.

“He has been tracked for long after several complaints from businessmen.”

The EACC officers also retrieved text messages of money transactions that they suspect the KRA official received from traders.

The anti-corruption agency boss said the suspect is being questioned and would appear in court when investigations are complete.

Sources at EACC revealed that more money was found at the suspect's home.