The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested nine traffic police officers accused of extorting money from motorists during festive season operations aimed at combating corruption on major highways in Kenya.
The arrests, which took place between December 25 and 31, 2024, were made at notorious bribery hotspots in Nakuru, Kajiado, and Kisii counties.
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed that the officers were apprehended under the guise of enforcing traffic laws.
They were processed at EACC offices and police stations before being released on cash bail pending investigations and further legal action.
Among those apprehended were Sgt Susan Potishoi, Cpl Joshua Kipkurui, PC Duncan Bonn, PC Vincent Otieno, and PC Ruth Ngugi, who were arrested at Salgaa along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on December 30, 2024.
In Kajiado County along the Nairobi-Namanga Road, PC Muendi Okech and Cpl James Gitonga were detained, while in Kisii along the Kisii-Rongo Road, Cpl Mustafa Babuye and PC Dae Ronald Wakachanga were arrested.
In a separate incident at Gathoge on the Makutano-Embu Highway, another officer, Cpl Simon Karanja, evaded arrest after hiding extorted money in a nearby bush.
The Commission revealed that its operations exposed a pattern of corruption where some motorists offered bribes to police officers to escape penalties for traffic violations such as speeding, overloading and driving without valid licenses.
This practice, according to EACC, undermines the integrity of law enforcement and endangers public safety by perpetuating a cycle of corruption.
Additionally, the EACC is investigating reports that senior police officers in some regions require public service operators to consolidate and remit bribe payments on a weekly or monthly basis in exchange for protection while plying specific roads.
The Commission has called on all stakeholders, including motorists, traffic officers, and the public, to embrace adherence to traffic laws to improve road safety and reduce fatalities.
Ngumbi emphasized that breaking the cycle of corruption within law enforcement is essential to ensuring safer roads for all Kenyans.
