Kisumu police officer arrested for demanding Ksh.15K bribe from suspect's family

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a police officer attached to Mamboleo Police Post in Kisumu for allegedly soliciting and receiving a Ksh.15,000 bribe.

In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said Sergeant Gilbert Kiama Oduor was arrested on January 28, 2026, following investigations into claims that he demanded money from a complainant to secure the release of a relative who had been arrested over alleged possession of bhang.

According to the EACC, officers from Mamboleo Police Post, led by the area chief, raided the home of John Oluoch on January 23. Although no contraband was recovered, Oluoch was arrested and booked at the police post.

The commission said that when the family followed up on the matter, they were referred to Sergeant Oduor, who allegedly demanded Ksh.15,000 to ensure Oluoch would not be taken to court.

The complainant reported the incident to the EACC, prompting investigations.

“Further investigations revealed that officers from Mamboleo Police Post facilitated Mr. Oluoch to solicit bribe money from relatives while he was held in custody from 23rd January 2026. During this period, Mr. Oluoch was moved between various police cells as officers awaited the delivery of the demanded bribe,” stated the ant-graft agency.

On January 28, EACC officers conducted an operation at the Winam Law Courts and arrested Sergeant Oduor while allegedly receiving the Ksh.15,000 from the complainant.

The commission also noted that shortly after the officer’s arrest, police charged Oluoch with possession of bhang, four days after his initial arrest, contrary to the legal requirement that suspects be presented in court within 24 hours.

Sergeant Oduor was later booked at Railways and Ports Police Station, processed, and released on bond pending the conclusion of investigations.