Nine traffic police officers from the National Police Service (NPS) have been arrested for alleged extortion during the festive season.
The arrests, confirmed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on January 2, 2024, have raised alarms about persistent corruption within Kenya’s traffic enforcement units.
The officers were apprehended in Nakuru, Kajiado, and Kisii counties after the EACC set traps in response to numerous public complaints of extortion. This latest event highlights an ongoing pattern of misconduct among traffic officers, who have been frequently accused of turning roadblocks into lucrative cash collection points. Motorists have often reported being coerced into paying bribes, sometimes under the threat of inflated fines or fabricated charges.
Past incidents underscore the severity of the issue. For instance, four police officers were arrested on August 29, 2023, along the Kericho-Sotik Road for engaging in similar practices. Furthermore, an officer from Kahawa West was apprehended in October after demanding a Ksh50,000 bribe to facilitate the withdrawal of a criminal case. A EACC survey from March 2023 revealed that the traffic police are among the most bribery-prone public institutions, with motorists facing a 1.45 likelihood of being asked for a bribe every time they seek services.
These arrests not only reflect the EACC’s continuing efforts to combat corruption but also serve as a crucial reminder of the need for integrity within Kenya’s law enforcement agencies. The nine officers are expected to face corruption-related charges in court, and investigations are ongoing to unearth the full extent of their corrupt practices. The public’s resolve against corruption is strong, and such actions could be pivotal in restoring faith in the police force and ensuring road safety for all Kenyans.
