The office of the Busia Resident District Commissioner (RDC) has cautioned residents that go there seeking services to stop giving them bribes.

Grace Kanona the Busia deputy RDC said he was overwhelmed by the bribes offered by people who come to his office and that of his boss to be served.

"Please, don't bribe us," Kanona said.

"Every time I sign a document, the person who has brought it wants to give me some money, which is not proper," he added.

"If there is too much money in this district, then stop wasting it by bribing government officials who are paid a salary. Instead, invest it, create jobs and employ the youth," Kanona said.

He noted it seems this is how things have been being done in Busia, but added that he and his senior, Michael Kwibika, are in the district to serve and also change this trend.

Kanona made the remarks on Thursday at Busia Youth Centre while addressing the executive committee members of Emyooga SACCOS in Busia Municipality.

He said the President's office, which they work for, pays them and there is, therefore, no need to solicit money from residents in order to do their work.

Kanona noted that what he has seen in the little time he has been in the office confirmed the reports he heard after being appointed.

He was told that he was going to make money because he has been deployed to Busia district where there is too much money.

Kwibika said they cannot be at the forefront of fighting corruption which has deprived area residents of proper service delivery and at the same time continue getting bribes from residents.

"Those planning to facilitate our stay in the office, please remember that we work for the government, which is the controller of resources," he said.

The same principle, Kibwika said, must apply in all government institutions in the district, including health facilities, the Police and schools.

Susan Bandera, a resident, said it was unusual to hear leaders cautioning people about giving them bribes and encouraging the officials to redeem the reputation of the RDC's office, which she said has been stained by numerous scandals.

George Barasa, the chairperson of all LC1 and LC2 chairpersons in Busia town, said he has worked with many RDCs, but none of them has openly come out to stop residents from giving them bribes. 

"I think this time around, God has given us good leaders and we should all support them to win this war against corruption," he said.