A clearance agent, identifies as Philip Mutua Kilonzo, has been fined Ksh. 3 million or, in default, face two years in prison after being found guilty of soliciting a bribe of Ksh. 2.9 million from church officials.

Kilonzo was convicted by the Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi on two counts—requesting a bribe and obtaining money by false pretense.

The court heard that on October 4, 2020, Kilonzo demanded Ksh. 2.9 million from officials of the United African Evangelical Ministry and Grace Children’s Home, claiming he could influence the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to waive their alleged tax obligations.

Kilonzo was sentenced to pay a fine of Ksh. 1.5 million or serve two years in jail for soliciting the bribe. In addition, the court fined him another Ksh. 1.5 million for repeatedly demanding the same bribe amount from officials of the United African Evangelical Ministry between October 3 and October 8, 2020.

He was also fined Ksh. 50,000 or, in default, serve eight months in prison for obtaining Ksh. 20,000 under false pretense.

The court was informed that on October 1, 2020, Kilonzo deceived church officials into giving him Ksh. 20,000, claiming the money was for travel expenses from Busia to Nairobi to attend a meeting with KRA representatives in a bid to resolve a tax dispute involving Grace Children’s Home.

Delivering the verdict, Principal Magistrate Celesa Okore ruled that all sentences would be served consecutively, meaning Kilonzo is required to either pay the full Ksh. 3 million fine or serve the combined prison terms.

The prosecution, led by Thelma Nanjaya, argued successfully that Kilonzo had abused the trust placed in him and attempted to exploit religious institutions for personal financial gain.

Kilonzo remains in custody as the legal process continues.

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