Man Charged with Impersonating Head of Public Service in Sh10 Million Bribe Scheme

A Nairobi court has heard how a man allegedly impersonated Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to demand a Sh10 million bribe from a senior government engineer. The accused pleaded not guilty before Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. C. A. Okore. He is charged with three counts, including impersonating a person employed in the public service contrary to Section 105(b) of the Penal Code, and two counts of bribery contrary to Section 6(1)(a) as read with Section 18 of the Anti-Bribery Act. The court heard that on January 14 and 15, 2026, within Nairobi County, the accused falsely represented himself to a senior government engineer as the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, and demanded Sh10 million to protect a position as a Regional Director at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority. The court further heard that on January 14, 2026, the accused, being a private person, requested the financial advantage of Sh10 million from the engineer and, on January 15, received Sh30,000 with the same intent. Principal Prosecution Counsel Mr. Willy Momanyi applied for strict bond terms, including a contact surety, surrender of the accused’s passport, and a requirement to seek court permission for any travel outside the court’s jurisdiction. The prosecution also requested two weeks to supply the defence with documentary exhibits and witness statements and opposed the release of two mobile phones they intend to use as exhibits. “I am satisfied with the explanations given by the prosecution counsel on the issues regarding confiscation of the mobile phones belonging to the accused person,” said Justice Okore. Justice Okore granted the accused release on a bond of Sh1 million or a cash bail of Sh300,000 and ordered him to surrender his passport and all travel documents pending the hearing and determination of the case. The prosecution was directed to supply all witness statements and documentary evidence to the defence within 14 days. The matter will be mentioned on February 2, 2026, to confirm pretrial compliance and for further directions. Impersonating a public official is a criminal offence in Kenya and can attract additional corruption and fraud charges if the deception is used to solicit money or influence public functions. Under Section 105(b) of the Penal Code, it is an offence for any person to falsely represent themselves as someone employed in the public service. The law captures instances where an individual assumes the “name, designation, or character” of a public officer with the intention of exercising authority or causing another person to act on that misrepresentation. The provision is designed to protect the integrity of public administration and prevent members of the public from being deceived by those claiming state authority. Courts may impose heavier consequences where impersonation is tied to bribery, extortion, or other corrupt conduct. In such circumstances, prosecutors commonly layer charges under the Anti-Bribery Act, including demanding or receiving a financial advantage, as well as traditional Penal Code offences such as obtaining by false pretence.