Kisumu: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a stern warning to the public against attempts to bribe officials during the upcoming National Police Service recruitment exercise scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025. EACC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdi Mohamud cautioned parents and recruitment officers about potential malpractices ahead of the exercise, emphasizing that the anti-graft agency will take decisive action against those found guilty.
According to Kenya News Agency, in past recruitment drives, the Commission has received concerning reports of parents and guardians resorting to fundraising, selling family land, or depleting family savings in desperate attempts to secure jobs for their children by bribing public officials. Mohamud urged the public to refrain from any form of bribery in the upcoming recruitment process, advising candidates not to offer bribes, gifts, or other favors to influence recruitment outcomes.
Speaking through EACC Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi in Kisumu during a capacity-building forum for senior officials of the County Assembly of Bungoma, Mohamud highlighted the alert was in response to alarming reports of individuals trying to secure employment through illicit means. This practice undermines merit, accountability, and the integrity of public institutions. Bribery in police recruitment, he noted, has the potential to compromise merit, competence, and accountability, with ramifications extending beyond individual recruits to the citizens they serve and the broader society.
Mohamud further warned that recruits admitted through bribery often lack the skills and integrity necessary for policing duties and are more prone to corrupt practices, eroding public trust in the police service. He instructed recruitment officials to reject any bribes or favors and adhere strictly to transparent recruitment procedures.
The forum, requested by the County Assembly of Bungoma, is part of EACC’s broader strategy to fortify internal controls and equip officials with the knowledge and tools to prevent corruption. Mohamud pointed out that corruption remains a significant obstacle to effective devolution implementation, with oversight bodies reporting recurring issues such as conflict of interest, fictitious payments, payroll fraud, and misappropriation of county assets.
The Commission has received over 53 reports of alleged corruption involving Bungoma County Assembly officials, including accusations of nepotism and favoritism in staff recruitment. Recently, more than 50 contractors protested at county offices, claiming tenders were unfairly awarded to benefit select individuals.
Mohamud stressed that Kenyans demand transparent, accountable, and theft-free service delivery, reinforcing EACC’s commitment to combating corruption and recovering any public funds lost through illicit contracts. He outlined the Commission’s ongoing interventions, including monitoring capital-intensive projects, tracing and recovering unexplained wealth, addressing bribery at service-delivery points, and collaborating with regulatory and oversight agencies. Officials found facilitating irregular payments or accepting bribes will be held responsible.
