The fight against corruption in the counties has landed a significant catch in Kisumu. Francis Muga Odhiambo, the Revenue Officer in charge of the bustling Kisumu Bus Park, has been arraigned in court after being ensnared in a bribery sting operation. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives arrested the officer on Monday, culminating in his charging on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The case shines a spotlight on the rot within the revenue collection systems that bleed county coffers dry.

Odhiambo appeared before the Kisumu Anti-Corruption Court, accused of soliciting a bribe of Ksh 18,500 and receiving Ksh 10,000 from a matatu operator. The court heard that the officer used his position to intimidate the businessman, threatening him with fabricated charges unless the "protection fee" was paid. This predatory behavior is all too common in the transport sector, where operators are often squeezed by rogue officials.

The Sting Operation

The arrest was a classic trap. After the businessman reported the harassment to the EACC, detectives marked the money and lay in wait. Odhiambo was apprehended moments after receiving the Ksh 10,000 partial payment. The evidence was overwhelming, leading to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) swiftly approving the charges. This quick turnaround from arrest to charging sends a strong warning to other public officers who treat their offices as personal toll stations.

Despite the gravity of the offense, Odhiambo denied the charges. He was released on a cash bail of Ksh 20,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh 50,000. The leniency of the bail terms has raised eyebrows among anti-corruption activists, who argue that the cost of corruption should be made prohibitively high.

• The Accused: Francis Muga Odhiambo, Kisumu Bus Park Revenue Officer.
• The Crime: Soliciting Ksh 18,500 and receiving Ksh 10,000 to forego fabricated charges.
• The Outcome: Charged and released on Ksh 20,000 cash bail. Hearing set for February 25, 2026.

A Systemic Rot

This arrest is just the tip of the iceberg. The transport sector in Kisumu, like many other counties, is riddled with cartels that siphon off millions in potential revenue. While the arrest of one officer is a victory, it raises questions about the supervision and auditing of revenue collection.

As Odhiambo prepares for his hearing later this month, the message from the EACC is clear: Big Brother is watching, and even the small fish are no longer safe.