By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with SHARON MWENDE
Published on 2024-01-19 16:25:26
A KWS officer based at the Garissa office has been charged in court for allegedly accepting a bribe to expedite compensation in a wildlife attack incident. Jimnah Somore Pertet was accused of demanding Sh50,000 to facilitate the compensation fee for the injuries sustained in the incident.
The charge sheet stated that on August 2, 2021, Pertet, as an employee of the Kenya Wildlife Service, agreed to receive a financial advantage of Sh50,000 from Issack Hussein Nunow to fill out a compensation claim form for a person injured or killed by wildlife. An investigation was launched after a report was filed with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The EACC investigation found that Pertet had received Sh40,000 as part of the demanded bribe. The investigation report was then sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which recommended charging the officer.
Following the recommendation, anti-graft officers from the Northeastern Regional Office in Garissa arrested Pertet, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of receiving bribery contrary to the law when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Stephen Mbunai. He was released on a bond of Sh200,000 with an alternative of a cash bail of Sh100,000, and the matter is scheduled to be mentioned on January 30.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the Kenya Wildlife Service and the commitment to holding accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gain. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and ethical standards within public institutions. By addressing and prosecuting instances of bribery and corruption, the authorities are working to ensure the fair and just treatment of citizens affected by wildlife-related incidents.
Read the original article on The Star
