The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three officials from the Ministry of Labour stationed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for allegedly extorting money from agents processing migrant workers traveling to the Middle East. The arrests followed an operation conducted on November 30, after EACC received a report claiming that Labour Officers at JKIA routinely demanded bribes for every departing migrant worker.
Operation Conducted With the Help of an Agent
According to the Commission, the sting operation was carried out in collaboration with an agent who was facilitating the travel of 78 migrant workers to various Middle East destinations. During the interaction at the Labour booth, the three officers allegedly demanded Ksh. 34,000, which the agent handed over as part of the evidence-gathering process. Investigators moved in immediately after the transaction, arresting the officers and recovering the money from them.
Suspects Released on Cash Bail
The suspects Benson Ouma Okello, Esther Njoki Gakuru, and Denis Marias were taken to the Integrity Centre, where they recorded statements and underwent processing. They were later released on a cash bail of KSh. 50,000 each, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.
EACC Probing Wider Extortion Allegations
The operation was triggered by complaints that some Labour officials at JKIA allegedly demand bribes from agents or migrant workers before allowing clearance for travel to the Middle East — a practice that places additional burdens on already vulnerable job seekers. EACC says investigations are continuing, with more arrests possible as the probe widens.
