Crime sceneThe Ethics and Anti Corruption has arrested two women for allegedly demanding money from a person whose matter is currently under investigation by the anti-graft agency.
The suspects were arrested after claiming they had connections within the commission that could be used to influence the outcome of the investigation.
According to the EACC the two allegedly demanded Sh100,000 from the person under investigation in exchange for having the matter terminated.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday after allegedly receiving Sh30,000 via Mpesa as part of the money they had demanded.
The commmission said the two are beleived to be a part of a wider group of fraudsters operating in the western region who target individuals facing investigations by impersonating EACC officers or falsly claiming they have the ability to influence cases being handled by the commission.
"The suspects were processed at the EACC Western Regional Office and subsequently booked at Bungoma Central Police Station, pending completion of investigations," EACC said.
They remain in police custody as investigations continue into the alligations and possible links to other individuals in similar schemes.
The EACC warned members of the public to be cautious of people who claim to have connections within the commission or other government institutions and offer to influence investigations in exchange for money.
The anti-corruption agency said investigations are conducted through established legal and administrative procedures and cannot be stopped through payments to individuals.
The commission urged anyone approached by individuals demanding money while claiming to represent or have influence within EACC to report the matter promptly.
Members of the public were also advised to avoid giving money to suspected imposters and instead provide relevant information to investigators to assist in identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in such schemes.
The latest arrests come as the commission continues efforts to curb fraudsters exploiting ongoing investigations to extort money from the members of the public.
