The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) mounted an inquiry into a bribery allegation against one Evans Kiprono Cheruiyot, a Legal Officer Working with Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

The Commission commenced investigations following a complaint received on 19th July, 2021 from Titus Barasa Makhanu that a Legal Officer in KEMSA was demanding a financial benefit of KSh1.5 million to facilitate payment of KSh33 million legal fees due in relation to instructions issued to his law firm by KEMSA.

Investigations established that KEMSA engaged the firm of Titus Makhanu and Associates Advocates for legal services. The firm executed the instructions and part payment was approved for payment on 24th September, 2020.

The complainant visited KEMSA in December 2020 to discuss the pending fees. During the visit, the legal officer requested for a bribe of KSh. 1.5 million to facilitate retracting of an adverse memo that advised KEMSA CEO not to pay the pending fee notes.

EACC Sting Operation Leads to Arrest

The Commission organized for an operation where the legal office, KEMSA was arrested for requesting for a bribe of KSh 1,000,000.

A report was compiled and forwarded to the DPP on 12th June, 2023 recommending that the suspect be charged with two counts of receiving a bribe, contrary to section 6 (1) (a) as read with section 18 (1), (2) of the Bribery Act No. 47 of 2016.

The DPP’s response is awaited.

[Source: The Kenya Gazette EACC/OPS/INQ/67/2021]