NIS Officer Fired After Scandalous Sh3 Million Bribe in Passport Fraud Scheme

NIS officer Samson Gekura Tuguro was dismissed after accepting a Sh3.1 million bribe related to a passport fraud scheme.

Challenging his termination in the Employment and Labour Court, Gekura argued that his dismissal was unfair. However, Justice Abuodha Nelson ruled that Gekura’s actions constituted gross misconduct under the Employment Act.

Evidence presented by the NIS revealed suspicious bank deposits linked to bribes, ultimately leading to Gekura’s conviction and termination from the service, highlighting serious issues within the agency’s integrity.

Background of the NIS Officer Case

Samson Gekura Tuguro challenged his dismissal in the Employment and Labour Court, claiming it was unfair. However, Justice Abuodha Nelson ruled against him. He stated that Gekura did not prove his dismissal violated the law.

The judge emphasized that soliciting and receiving bribes constituted gross misconduct under section 44(4) of the Employment Act, justifying a summary dismissal.

Evidence of Misconduct

The NIS presented evidence of unusual deposits in Gekura’s bank accounts between November 2021 and March 2022.

The court confirmed that these funds were indeed bribes. Notably, some of the money traced back to an individual named Said, who had his passport cleared by Gekura.

Claims of Harsh Assignments

Gekura argued that NIS assigned him to difficult areas such as Wajir, Isiolo, and Turkana, far from his home in Kuria East, Migori County.

He sought clarification from his superiors but claimed they instructed him to report to the new station first.

Career Overview

Gekura joined NIS as an Intelligence Officer I in July 2016 after completing a six-month training course. His first assignment was in Wajir County as the Senior Intelligence Officer in charge of Eldas Sub-County.

He was later promoted to Senior Intelligence Officer II in January 2018. In May 2022, he transferred to Isiolo County as a County Analyst, where he served until February 2022.

Following his time in Isiolo, Gekura was posted to Turkana County in the same capacity until July 24, 2022, when allegations against him surfaced.

Interdiction and Inquiry Process

On April 25, Gekura received an interdiction letter and a show-cause letter for gross misconduct. He appeared before a board of inquiry at NIS headquarters on June 15 and June 21. Gekura claimed he raised concerns during the inquiry but faced dismissal of his claims.

Isiolo County Intelligence Coordinator Eric Bii and Ahmed Mohammed, who participated in the e-Citizen vetting process, testified on Gekura’s behalf.

They stated there was no evidence to support the allegations against him. Gekura also claimed he was denied the chance to cross-examine Bii and to view letters submitted by him.

Gekura alleged that the board chairperson tried to coerce him into changing his plea from not guilty to guilty, suggesting he ask for forgiveness due to supposed incriminating evidence, which he refused.

Conclusion

On July 24, 2022, Gekura was found guilty of all charges and subsequently dismissed from his position on August 22, 2022.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform within government agencies.