Two senior staff members at Mumias Level 4 Hospital are in police custody after they were caught red-handed receiving a Kes200,000 bribe to process a pending payment for medical equipment, in a sting operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The suspects — Mr. William Mmasava, a Supply Chain Officer, and Mrs. Linet Kavaya, a Biomedical Engineer — were arrested at KCB Mumias Branch on May 21, 2025, moments after allegedly pocketing the illicit cash.
“We have solid evidence — from call recordings to recovered cash. Let this serve as a warning: public office is not for private extortion,” said an EACC lead investigator involved in the operation.
How the Bribe Scheme Unfolded
The case was triggered by a report filed on May 16, 2025, by a local supplier who had delivered an X-ray scanner worth Kes1.4 million to the hospital. The procurement agreement outlined a three-instalment payment plan.
- First payment of Kes500,000 was settled on April 17, 2025.
- When the second instalment of Kes650,000 became due, the supplier was hit with an unexpected demand.
According to the complaint:
- On May 8, the supplier was contacted by Dr. Mohammed Munyendo, the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, who allegedly demanded a Kes400,000 bribe to release the funds.
- A day later, Mrs. Braxides Bunoro, the Hospital Administrator, reiterated the demand during an in-person meeting.
- Though the hospital eventually deposited the Kes650,000 into the supplier’s KCB account, access was blocked.
- Coercive calls reportedly continued from Dr. Munyendo, Mrs. Bunoro, Mr. Mmasava, and Mrs. Kavaya — all allegedly insisting on a bribe to “unlock” the funds.
That’s when the supplier reached out to the EACC.
The Sting Operation
EACC officers quickly set up a covert operation. On May 21, the complainant arranged a meeting with the suspects at the bank to hand over Kes200,000 in marked bills.
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As soon as the money changed hands, the officers moved in.
“This is not just a petty bribe. It is a blatant obstruction of lawful business in a critical public health facility,” said EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi.
The two suspects were processed at the EACC Western RePolitical Storm Erupts in Bungoma as Governor Lusaka and MP Waluke Clash Over Leadershipgional Office in Bungoma and later booked at Bungoma Police Station, where they remain in custody.
Public Reaction and Wider Implications
Residents of Mumias expressed outrage over the incident.
“It’s sickening that people entrusted with our health are busy extorting suppliers. No wonder public hospitals are always short of equipment,” said Nancy Wekesa, a local mother of two.
EACC Deputy CEO Abdi Mohamud emphasized the Commission’s continued crackdown on corruption in the health sector.
“Healthcare should never be held hostage by greed. We are actively cleaning up these networks.”
How to Report Corruption
EACC is urging members of the public to stand up against extortion and bribery. Any unethical conduct can be reported through the toll-free hotline 1551, via SMS, or at any EACC regional office across the country
Do you want to be publishe Email info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or Whatsapp 0721930260
