The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested two individuals accused of posing as Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) officers to extort shop owners.
The two, Tabitha Wangeci Kwena and Wycliffe Nyamanya were arrested within Bamburi area in Mombasa where they are said to have inspected goods in shops before arresting, detaining and extorting shop owners on account that they were selling expired goods.
EACC said the suspects had also duped the police officers, who accompanied them during the crackdown.
Upon arresting the shop owners, the two who also labelled themselves as Consumer Protection Officers working with Multi-Works & Rights Enforcement detained and demanded Ksh20,000 to Ksh50,000 to release the traders and their goods.
“The suspects had reportedly duped the police officers to believe that they were genuine KEBS Officers on official duty requiring police escort in a crackdown on expired goods in Mombasa shops.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects have engaged in similar illegal activities in other parts of the country,” EACC said.
The two are currently at the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court.
The anti-corruption agency further encouraged members of the public with additional information on the suspects.
“Members of the public with any additional information on these suspects or their accomplices in the criminal syndicate are invited to share the same with EACC through Toll-Free No. 1551 or email address: [email protected],” EACC added.