An official from the Lands Registry in Busia County has been arrested by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly demanding a bribe of KSh10,000 before releasing a title deed.
According to EACC, the suspect, identified as Busia Land Registrar Collins Aiela Liyayi, had already processed the complainant’s land document but withheld it, insisting that the “release fee” had to be paid first.
The arrest was carried out on Tuesday, September 23, in an operation led by the commission’s Western Regional Office.
In a statement issued the following morning, EACC explained that the registrar was caught in the act of receiving the bribe from the landowner.
He was then escorted to the Bungoma office for processing before being booked at Bungoma Police Station. Liyayi is expected to face bribery charges in court.
The commission also revealed that several residents had raised concerns about corrupt practices at the Busia Lands Registry, where officials allegedly delay or withhold title deeds unless bribes are paid.
“We have received multiple complaints from members of the public, and this arrest is part of a wider effort to clean up service delivery in public offices,” EACC stated.
The watchdog emphasized that the fight against corruption will continue, with more operations targeting institutions that provide essential services.
“The Commission will strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance to ensure that citizens access services without being forced to pay extra illegal fees,” the statement read.
This is not the first time EACC has cracked down on bribery cases in the recent past.
Earlier this month, three employees of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) were also arrested for allegedly demanding money from clients to alter bills and reconnect electricity.
The Busia case has once again highlighted the everyday struggles Kenyans face when dealing with public offices.
Many citizens continue to complain about delays, missing files, and illegal payments demanded by officials who are supposed to serve them.
Link;
https://nairobileo.co.ke/news/article/23144/govt-official-arrested-after-demanding-ksh10000-bribe
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