The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a woman who has been impersonating its officers.
The arrest, according to a statement by the Integrity House agency, was made after an outcry from members of the public.
"Following investigations into complaints from the public, EACC has arrested one Ezely Omwoyo, a suspected serial fraudster who has reportedly pocketed millions of shillings by coning government officials, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public while pretending to be an EACC lawyer and investigator, with the ability to terminate graft cases at any stage," the EACC statement revealed.
Meet up
In an act of audacity, the woman was arrested after she was caught extorting money from a top government official whom she had ordered to appear at the EACC's office for questioning.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman dupes her victims into believing that she is handling sensitive corruption files that incriminate them and that they could be arrested anytime unless they bribe their way out of trouble.
"In the instant case, the woman was arrested on Thursday after attempting to extort money from a senior government official whom she had summoned to appear before her at EACC Integrity Centre Offices," the statement added.
Omowyo had arranged a prior meet-up with the said government official before EACC arrested her.
"Before he arrived at EACC, Omwoyo ordered the complainant to first meet her at the Nairobi Public Service Club. At this point, the complainant notified EACC and an operation was mounted, leading to the arrest of the suspect at the Nairobi Public Service Club while in the process of negotiating for a bribe.
"She was held at EACC Integrity Centre Police Station until yesterday, Friday, when she was processed," the statement concluded.
According to the anti-corruption watchdog, Omwoyo will be arraigned in court and charged with impersonating an EACC investigator contrary to Section 34(1) as read with Section 34(2) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes, Act.
