indimi

mlungula

mloo-NGOO-lah

How to say it

Swahilimlungulamloo-NGOO-lah
Englishbribe, kickback
Frenchpot-de-vin

Meaning

Money or a favor given secretly to someone in authority to get something done unfairly. It is an informal word, common in Kenyan news.

Good to know

M/mi class: plural milungula. Kutoa mlungula is to give a bribe and kupokea mlungula to take one. The standard words are rushwa and hongo.

Examples

  • Afisa huyo alikamatwa akipokea mlungula kutoka kwa dereva.The officer was caught taking a bribe from a driver.
  • Hatutoi mlungula ili kupata huduma za serikali.We do not pay bribes to get government services.
  • Wanasiasa walilaumiana kuhusu mlungula wakati wa uchaguzi.The politicians blamed each other for bribery during the election.

The same word in

Forms

mlungura

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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