Three Ministry of Labour Staff Busted Taking Bribes to Clear Middle East Migrant Workers at JKIA
Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested three Ministry of Labour officials accused of extorting agents who facilitate the travel of Kenyan migrant workers heading to the Middle East.
In a statement on Monday, December 1, EACC confirmed that the trio—based at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)—was apprehended on Sunday, November 30.
According to the Commission, the arrest followed a report indicating that some Labour officials at JKIA had been routinely soliciting bribes from agents. The alleged scheme involved demanding Ksh500 for every migrant worker before they were cleared to travel.
EACC revealed that after receiving the complaint, investigators launched a targeted operation. Working with one of the agents who had 78 workers scheduled to travel, the Commission monitored the alleged extortion process.
“On 30th November 2025, the Commission carried out an operation in collaboration with one of the agents who had 78 migrant workers travelling to the Middle East. At JKIA, the agent met the three Labour Officers manning the booth, and after tabulating the total amount, the officers demanded and received Ksh34,000,” EACC stated.
Immediately after the transaction, investigators moved in, arrested the officers, and recovered the Ksh34,000.
The suspects were identified as Benson Ouma Okello, Esther Njoki Gakuru, and Denis Marias.
After their arrest, the trio was taken to the EACC headquarters at Integrity Centre for processing and to record statements. They are expected to be released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 each as investigations continue.
The incident comes just weeks after Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Board Chairperson Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea was arrested in a separate corruption probe involving allegations of bribery, extortion, and unexplained wealth.
In a statement issued on November 14, the EACC said its officers had launched investigations following claims that Kabeabea was soliciting money from local and foreign investors.
“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) today, 14 November 2025, conducted a search operation at the residence and offices of Josphat Gichunge Kabeabea, Chairperson of the Board of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. The operation is part of ongoing investigations into allegations of bribery, extortion of local and foreign investors, and acquisition of unexplained wealth,” the Commission said.
EACC further disclosed that court orders authorising the search were obtained after preliminary findings uncovered new claims by a Chinese investor in the automotive sector.
“The search follows court orders secured after preliminary findings indicated that on 11th November 2025, Kabeabea allegedly demanded a Ksh5 million bribe from a Chinese investor trading as Hongda Automotive Limited. He is accused of threatening to arrest investors for alleged involvement in counterfeit trade unless a bribe was paid,” the statement added.
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Three Ministry of Labour Staff Busted Taking Bribes to Clear Middle East Migrant Workers at JKIA