Man Accused of Impersonating Head of Public Service to Demand Sh10 Million Bribe Appears in Court

A Nairobi court on Monday heard how a man allegedly impersonated Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to demand a Sh10 million bribe from a senior government engineer.

Seth Omosira Osumo appeared before Milimani Anti-Corruption Court Senior Principal Magistrate C. A. Okore, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Osumo faces three counts, including impersonating a public officer under Section 105(b) of the Penal Code and two counts of bribery under Section 6(1)(a) read with Section 18 of the Anti-Bribery Act.

The court heard that on January 14 and 15, 2026, Osumo falsely claimed to be Felix Koskei’s Chief of Staff and demanded Sh10 million from Engineer Kenneth Njuguna Mbogori to allegedly protect his position as Regional Director at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority.

On January 14, the accused requested the money from Engineer Mbogori, and on January 15, he is said to have received Sh30,000 from him with the same intent.

During the hearing, Principal Prosecution Counsel Willy Momanyi requested strict bond conditions, including a contact surety, surrender of the accused’s passport, and court permission for any travel outside Nairobi. The prosecution also asked for two weeks to provide the defence with witness statements and documentary evidence and opposed the release of Osumo’s two mobile phones, which 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 Hon. Okore.

The court granted Osumo bail of Sh1 million or cash bail of Sh300,000, ordering him to surrender his passport and travel documents pending the trial. The prosecution must provide all witness statements and evidence to the defence within 14 days.

The case will be mentioned on February 2, 2026, to confirm compliance with pretrial directives and for further directions.