The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two traffic police officers over allegations of extorting bribes from motorists along the Maua-Makutano Road near Kemu in Meru County.
The commission confirmed the arrests on Friday, October 16, saying the officers were apprehended during a targeted surveillance operation over allegations of demanding and receiving bribes from motorists along the road.
“During the operation, EACC officers recovered Ksh23,000 in various denominations from the two officers,” the commission confirmed.
At the same time, detectives from the anti-graft agency impounded a Toyota Fielder parked beside the road, which was suspected to belong to one of the officers.
A photo of traffic police officers controlling vehicles along a road, with an inset showing money spread on a table.
NTSA
The two officers were escorted to the commission’s Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo for processing and recording of statements as investigations into the alleged bribery continued.
The arrests come as EACC steps up operations against suspected bribery involving officers responsible for enforcing traffic laws, with motorists often encountering police checks along major highways and local roads.
Earlier on Friday, the commission confirmed the arrest of an NTSA clerk over allegations of demanding a bribe to facilitate the processing of a driving licence.
The suspect was allegedly arrested after receiving Ksh8,000 out of a demanded Ksh18,000.
In that separate case, the suspect was released on Ksh50,000 cash bail as the matter proceeded through the relevant legal process.
In a related incident in July this year, EACC arrested three traffic police officers over allegations of demanding bribes from motorists at a roadblock along the busy Webuye-Kitale Road.
The July arrests followed investigations triggered by complaints from motorists, including public service vehicle operators and drivers of heavy commercial trucks, over alleged extortion at the roadblock.
According to the EACC, the complaints indicated that officers routinely demanded money from motorists travelling through the area, prompting the commission to conduct a targeted surveillance operation.
An image of two men in handcuffs.
Photo
KPS