The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended nine traffic police officers accused of soliciting bribes from motorists across various regions in Kenya. The arrests, conducted during a festive season crackdown, highlight the ongoing fight against corruption on major highways.
Arrests and Locations
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrests, which occurred between December 25 and 31, 2024. The officers were detained at key highway locations:
- Nairobi-Namanga Road, Kajiado County: PC Muendi Okech and CPL James Gitonga.
- Kisii-Rongo Road, Kisii County: Cpl Mustafa Babuye and PC Dae Ronald Wakachanga on Christmas Day.
- Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, Nakuru County: Sgt Susan Potishoi, Cpl Joshua Kipkurui, PC Duncan Bonn, PC Vincent Otieno, and PC Ruth Ngugi at Salgaa on December 30.
In a separate incident, Corporal Simon Karanja evaded capture on December 26 but left money hidden in a bush at Gathoge, along the Makutano-Embu Highway, which was later recovered by EACC officers.
Processing and Bail
The apprehended officers were processed at various police stations:
- Nyamarambe Police Traffic Base (Kisii arrests).
- Salgaa Police Station (Nakuru arrests).
- Kajiado and Wanguru Police Stations (Kajiado and Embu arrests).
They were released on cash bail, pending further investigations and subsequent legal action.
Bribery Practices Exposed
The EACC noted that the detained officers were accepting bribes to overlook common traffic violations, such as:
- Exceeding speed limits.
- Driving without valid licenses.
- Overloading vehicles.
Appeal for Adherence to Traffic Laws
The anti-corruption body has called on law enforcement officers and motorists to comply with traffic laws to ensure road safety during the festive period. The commission emphasized that corruption compromises road safety and contributes to avoidable accidents.
