A military officer is facing court martial over allegations he received bribes from 2 young people who had sought to join the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in 2019.
The officer identified as Andrew Muoki allegedly obtained the money through false pretense, an act considered to be against the code of conduct for the military service.
The suspect allegedly collected a sum of Ksh300,000 from one Edwin Kinywa, and another 180,000 from another individual identified as Nelson Kabwere Mandela.
Kinywa narrated to the court that Surgent Muoki demanded Ksh300,000 from his father to help him secure a spot in the military in December 2019, during the KDF recruitment exercise.
“I can confirm it was not my money, but my father’s money,” Kinywa told the court.
According to Kinywa, the money was used as bribe and was deposited in Muoki’s bank account.
On his part, Mandela claims they gave the suspect Ksh180,000 after he promised them job in the military.
According to filed reports, Muoki received the bribes while still working in the Department of Defense in Hurlingam, Nairobi.
Isiolo Court Martial Chief Magistrate Samuel Mungai, adjourned the case to accommodate one more witness - who is expected to appear before the Court.
In 2019, a total of 160 people were arrested including five service men for for allegedly obtaining money fraudulently for individuals seeking to join the military.
Vice Chief of Defense Forces Lieutenant General Levi Mghalu, cautioned Kenyans against offering bribes in the 2021 KDF recruitment process.
“Kenyans are advised that bribery and other forms of corruption are against the law. Should anyone give a bribe with the aim of securing a place in this recruitment exercise, will have themselves to blame” said Lt.Gen Mghalu.
The 2021 report on the Kenya Defense Forces will be released on Friday 19, after the conclusion of the recruitment exercise as the EACC, NIS International and other authorities are closely monitoring the process.
