By Dorothy Musyoka
In a dramatic turn of events, Peter Odhiambo Agoro, Chairperson of the Consortium of Civil Societies in Kenya, has been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly extorting KES 3 million from a Chief Executive Officer of a State Corporation.
The EACC claims that Agoro demanded the amount to refrain from pursuing allegations of procurement malpractices he purported to have against the parastatal CEO.
“The suspect demanded the amount as an inducement so as not to pursue accusations of procurement malpractices he claimed to have against the Parastatal CEO,” explained the EACC.
After negotiations, the suspect agreed to reduce the demand to KES 2 million, to be paid in two instalments of KES 1.5 million and KES 500,000.
Agoro was apprehended at a Nairobi hotel during an operation mounted by the EACC, immediately after receiving the first instalment of KES 1.5 million, which included USD 10,800 and KES 100,000.
“Agoro accepted the complainant’s plea to reduce the demanded amount to Kes. 2 million to be paid in two instalments of Kes1.5 million and Kes. 500,000. He was arrested in an operation mounted by the Commission after receiving the first instalment of Kes.1.5 million in USD10,800 and Kes.100,000,” EACC added.
He was then escorted to the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station, where he was processed and later booked at Kilimani Police Station.
“Upon the arrest at a Nairobi Hotel on Tuesday, the suspect was escorted to EACC Integrity Centre Police Station where he was processed and later booked at Kilimani Police Station,” EACC stated.
The suspect has since been released on police bail after recording a statement at Integrity Centre.Investigations are ongoing, and further action will be determined based on the findings.