A clearing agent, Philip Mutua Kilonzo, has been fined Ksh. 3 million or face a two-year prison sentence for attempting to solicit a Ksh. 2.9 million bribe from church officials in a case that highlights the ongoing fight against corruption in Kenya. The incident dates back to October 2020, when Kilonzo allegedly demanded the bribe to resolve a tax dispute between the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the United African Evangelical Ministry.
Kilonzo’s actions were brought to light by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), which issued a statement on Friday confirming the conviction. According to Thelma Nanjaya, the lead prosecutor in the case, Kilonzo claimed that he could influence the cancellation of the disputed taxes. In addition to the Ksh. 2.9 million bribe, Kilonzo also sought Ksh. 20,000 from the church to cover travel expenses from Busia to Nairobi, further highlighting his fraudulent intentions.
Following an investigation, Kilonzo was charged with two counts of requesting a bribe and one count of obtaining money under false pretenses. During his court appearance before Principal Magistrate Celesa Okore, Kilonzo was sentenced to pay a fine of Ksh. 1.5 million or serve two years in prison for each of the two counts of demanding the Ksh. 2.9 million bribe. Additionally, he was handed a fine of Ksh. 50,000 or face eight months in prison for falsely obtaining Ksh. 20,000 from the church under pretenses.
The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in corrupt practices, as well as the government’s continued efforts to tackle graft in the public and private sectors. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for the fight against corruption, sending a clear message that individuals who attempt to exploit their positions for personal gain will face severe penalties.
