In Summary
- The suspect was reportedly charging refugees exorbitant fees during the de-registration process of fingerprints from the UNHCR system.
- Additionally, EACC officers found a list of 85 double-registered applicants, detailing the amounts each had paid.
A chief in Garissa county has been apprehended for allegedly extorting money from refugees seeking services from his office.
The arrest followed an operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in response to numerous complaints from victims in the area.
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The official was reportedly charging refugees exorbitant fees during the de-registration process of fingerprints from the UNHCR system.
“The payments were first made to an accomplice operating from a white Probox vehicle parked outside the vetting hall,” EACC said.
The accomplice collected the alleged illegal charges as a prerequisite for processing the service.
Upon carrying out further investigation, EACC officers recovered Sh139,000 from the official, believed to be part of the day’s earnings.
Additionally, they found a list of 85 double-registered applicants, detailing the amounts each had paid.
The suspect was taken to the EACC Garissa Regional Office and later released on police bond pending further investigation.
The EACC has emphasized its commitment to combating corruption and encouraged the public to expose any officials who demand bribes for services they are obligated to provide through their toll-free number.
