A candidate shortlisted for the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position was nabbed at the Malindi Airport with Ksh2.7 million cash before leaving for Nairobi.
In a report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) dated Thursday, March 2, the suspect did not abide by the air travel rules involving carrying huge amounts of money.
EACC disclosed that the accused was a top-ranking official in one of the county governments from the Coast region.
A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke established that the suspect was scheduled to appear before the Public Service Commission (PSC) for an interview on March 6.
"On February 28, EACC apprehended the Chief Officer who was travelling to Nairobi with unexplained and undeclared Ksh2.7 million in cash.
"EACC suspects that the amount was corruptly obtained from the county government," the report read in part.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that the accused was taken to the EACC offices where a statement was recorded but the candidate maintained innocence.
EACC officers heard from the suspect who was appointed in an acting capacity in the devolved unit that the money was not proceeds of crime and was meant to pay county workers who were in Nairobi.
The suspect was processed and released on a Ksh100,000 cash bail. Detectives from the Commission will continue investigating the CAS candidate.
A clearance certificate from the EACC is among the documents that shortlisted candidates were asked to present during their interview with PSC.
Candidates are also required to demonstrate compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya: Leadership and Integrity.
Among those who have already attended interviews include Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi and former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru.
