Four Pension Officials Arrested Over Bribery Claims at National Treasury

On Thursday, 17th July 2025, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested four officials from the Pensions Department at the National Treasury. This move follows weeks of investigations into claims that members of the public were being asked to pay bribes to access pension services.

The Arrested Officials

The arrested individuals are Wilkens Muhando Mugatsia, who served as an intern, Henry Odhimbo Otira and Catherine Muthoni Murage, both Senior Pensions Officers, and Byrson Mark, a Chief Clerical Officer. The arrests come after a two-month undercover operation carried out by the EACC, which found evidence linking the four to bribery-related activities.

How the Scheme Worked

According to the EACC, the officials were involved in an organised scheme to collect money from members of the public seeking pension services. Those who needed quicker access to their pension benefits were reportedly asked to pay bribes. The money was funneled through a bank account registered under the name of Wilkens Mugatsia’s mother, which was allegedly used as a secret channel for these illegal payments.

Money Trail and Investigation Findings

Investigations show that over the past two years, more than KES 10.5 million was moved through the suspicious account. This account, believed to be part of the bribery network, allowed the suspects to collect payments from service seekers in exchange for faster processing of their requests.

What Happens Next

At the moment, the four suspects are being held at the EACC’s Integrity Centre Police Station. They will be transferred to Kilimani Police Station as further investigations continue. The EACC has made it clear that it remains committed to fighting corruption, especially at government service points, where ordinary citizens often face delays or exploitation.

Public Assurance and Next Steps

In conclusion, the Commission has reassured the public that it will continue to pursue corrupt individuals and restore integrity in public service. The EACC also encourages citizens to report any demands for bribes when seeking government services. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public offices.