Bomet, Kenya – August 8, 2025 : Officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in Nakuru have arrested a Bomet Assistant County Commissioner for allegedly demanding a Ksh. 20,000 bribe to resolve a village dispute.
EACC Launches Operation in Bomet
The suspect, Martin Vaslaus Jakoyo, serves as the Assistant County Commissioner for Emkwen Division. According to a police report accessed by Sauce.co.ke, EACC officers apprehended him after allegations emerged that he had asked for a bribe to settle a matter already resolved by Nyumba Kumi elders.
The sting operation resulted in his immediate booking at Bomet Central Police Station. Officials from the EACC Nakuru office led the operation.
“The complaint reached us early this week, and we acted immediately to verify and intervene,” said an EACC investigator involved in the case.
Read about previous EACC stings in Kisii and Murang’a extortion incidents.
Local Dispute Had Already Been Resolved
The dispute involved two villagers from Emkwen Division. Nyumba Kumi elders had already mediated the conflict and closed the matter. However, Jakoyo allegedly summoned one of the villagers and asked for a Ksh. 20,000 payoff, claiming it was necessary to formalize the outcome.
After receiving the demand, the complainant contacted the EACC. Officers set up a trap and caught Jakoyo in the act.
Read about the Nyumba Kumi system and how it plays a vital role in local conflict resolution.
Arrest Part of Wider Crackdown
The EACC has significantly increased surveillance of public officials accused of corruption. Several counties, including Kiambu, Kakamega, and Bomet, have come under scrutiny in recent months.
In July 2025 alone, the EACC launched over 80 investigations targeting government administrators. The full details appear in the 2025 EACC Mid-Year Corruption Report.
Transparency advocates like Amnesty International Kenya and TI-Kenya have applauded these efforts.
Legal Framework and Next Steps
Jakoyo is expected to face charges under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA). These may include bribery solicitation and abuse of office.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) will guide the case as investigations continue. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is also involved.
Kenya’s Leadership and Integrity Act mandates ethical behavior among public officers. Violation of this law attracts serious consequences.
More on Sauce.co.ke
- EACC Rolls Out County Integrity Audit
- How Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Framework Works
- Devolution: Gains and Loopholes
