A court clerk at Busia Law Courts has been arrested over allegations that he demanded and received KSh 180,000 to influence the handling of a criminal case.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested Wesley Kipkoech Langat after he allegedly received the money in a deal linked to a case involving a commercial vehicle that had been impounded over alleged traffic offences.
According to the allegations, Langat demanded the money while claiming that he could help secure a lenient penalty for the complainant and six other people who were facing the case.
The clerk is further accused of acting on behalf of a magistrate in seeking the money.
The arrest followed an operation by EACC investigators after the alleged payment was made.
Langat was taken into custody and is being held as investigators continue with inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction.
The case has raised questions about the conduct of court officials and the need to protect the integrity of the justice system. Court clerks play an important role in supporting judicial processes, making allegations of corruption involving such officials a serious matter.
EACC is expected to investigate whether the KSh 180,000 was actually intended to influence the outcome of the case and whether other people were involved in the alleged arrangement. Investigators will also seek to establish the circumstances under which the money was allegedly demanded and received.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and Langat remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The arrest comes as anti-corruption authorities continue to target suspected bribery and abuse of office in public institutions.
EACC has repeatedly warned public officials and other individuals against using their positions or connections to interfere with legal and administrative processes.
Further action against Langat will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigations and any evidence gathered by the commission. If investigators establish sufficient grounds, the matter could proceed to court, where the allegations will be formally presented and determined.
Langat remains in custody as EACC continues to establish the full details of the alleged KSh 180,000 bribery scheme at Busia Law Courts.
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