Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested an ICT officer from the Cooperative University of Kenya for demanding a Ksh.50,000 bribe from a student. The officer allegedly promised to change the grade in the student’s exam results in exchange for the hefty amount.
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The arrested officer, Evans Matiro Watenya, reportedly demanded the bribe after a female student discovered discrepancies in her university examination results. Her results had mysteriously changed from Second Class Honours, Upper Division to a lower division just two months before her expected graduation. Understandably distressed, the student approached Watenya, hoping to resolve the issue. Instead of helping her, Watenya allegedly asked for “Ksh.50,000 tea” to correct the mistake.
The demand shocked the student, who could only manage to raise Ksh.30,000. Frustrated and unable to meet the full bribe, she made a bold move and reported the matter to the EACC. Her decision set the stage for a swift investigation by the anti-corruption commission.
How the EACC Handled the Investigation
Following the complaint, the EACC immediately launched an investigation into the matter. EACC spokesperson, Eric Ngumbi, confirmed that the officer was arrested after being caught in the act. Detectives acted promptly, ensuring they had sufficient evidence before making the arrest.
The suspect, who worked in the Cooperative University’s ICT department, was apprehended on Friday evening and is currently held at Kilimani Police Station awaiting arraignment in court. According to the EACC, the arrest is part of their broader mandate to root out corruption in public institutions, including universities.
