Inside EACC Sting Operation That Nabbed Nakuru Water Official for Bribery

Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested an employee of the Nakuru Water and Sanitation Company (NAWASCO) following allegations of soliciting a bribe to restore essential services. The suspect, identified as Leonard Cheruiyot Mutai, serves as a Leak Detection Officer within the utility firm.

The arrest, which took place on March 23, 2026, was the culmination of a sting operation coordinated by the commission's South Rift Regional Office. According to official reports, the officer allegedly demanded Ksh 15,000 from a resident of Langa Langa Estate to facilitate the replacement of a water meter that had previously been confiscated.

The complainant approached the anti-graft body on March 13, reporting that the officer was fast-tracking a service that should ordinarily be handled through official, no-cost channels. After verifying the claims, investigators moved in as the suspect was allegedly receiving the marked bribe money.

Upon his apprehension, a search by the detectives yielded a total of Ksh. 133,000 in cash. While the specific Ksh 15,000 bribe was identified, officers discovered an additional Ksh 100,000 concealed in the suspect's socks and a further Ksh 18,000 in his coat pocket. The EACC is currently investigating the source of the extra funds to determine if they are proceeds of similar extortion schemes.

Corruption in the utility sector remains a critical bottleneck for infrastructure management in Kenya. Such incidents often lead to revenue leakage for water companies and inflated costs for consumers, undermining the integrity of the broader construction and public works landscape. The EACC has frequently warned that illegal fees for meter installations or replacements hinder the government's efforts to ensure universal water access.

Following his arrest, the suspect was processed at the EACC regional offices in Nakuru and later detained at the Central Police Station. He is expected to be released on a police cash bail of Ksh 20,000 as investigations continue. The commission has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any public officials who demand kickbacks for services that are legally free or already paid for through official tariffs.

This case highlights the ongoing friction between public utility employees and the locals they serve, particularly in fast-growing urban areas where water demand often outstrips supply infrastructure. The file is expected to be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions once the investigation into the recovered funds is finalized.