The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended a revenue officer employed by the Kilifi County Government on charges of bribery and misconduct.
The accused, Sylvia Dhahabu Karisa, serves as a Building Inspector in the Approvals section of Watamu Municipality and is alleged to have solicited Ksh435,000 from a member of the public in exchange for processing a construction approval.
The complainant reported that county revenue officers descended on his construction site in the Timboni area of Watamu.
They demanded Ksh 73,000 for wall construction and an additional Ksh 362,000 for other structures, amounts believed to have been grossly exaggerated for personal gain.
After receiving the complaint on March 25, 2026, the EACC launched preliminary investigations, which verified a bribe demand of Ksh400,000.
An operation was carried out the following day, resulting in Karisa’s arrest at the Watamu municipal offices.
She was then transferred to the EACC Upper Coast Regional Office in Malindi for processing before being handed over to Malindi Police Station, where she was released on a cash bail of Ksh20,000 as investigations continue.
The Commission has warned public servants against engaging in corruption, reaffirming its dedication to stamping out bribery at service delivery points in order to guarantee equitable access to quality public services.
