NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested three Ministry of Labour officials stationed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following a successful sting operation targeting an alleged extortion ring preying on recruitment agents.
The operation, conducted on November 30, was executed in collaboration with a recruitment agent who was in the process of facilitating the travel of 78 migrant workers bound for the Middle East.
According to the EACC, the three suspects were manning the labour clearance booth at the airport when they were approached by the agent.
The officials reportedly calculated a levy based on the number of workers and demanded a bribe to authorize their departure.
“After setting out the total amount, the officers are said to have demanded and received Ksh.34,000,” the EACC report detailed.
EACC investigators, who were monitoring the transaction, immediately swooped in, arrested the suspects, and recovered the cash, which will be used as evidentiary material.
Suspects processed
The three officials have been identified as:
- Benson Ouma Okello
- Esther Njoki Gakuru
- Denis Marias
Following their arrest, the trio was transported to the EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre for processing and statement recording.
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They were subsequently released on a cash bail of Ksh. 50,000 each while investigations continue.
The crackdown follows a whistleblower report filed with the anti-graft body, alleging that Labour Officials at JKIA have established a systemic corruption cartel where they demand bribes for every migrant worker seeking clearance to travel to the Middle East.
