The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested four traffic police officers for allegedly extorting money from motorists plying the busy Nairobi’s Outering Road.
The Commission on Wednesday said the cops were apprehended at Quarry Stage while engaging in the act.
“At the time of the arrest, the four traffic officers had collected a total of Sh15,820 in less than 2 hours,” EACC said.
The money was allegedly largely, in the denominations of 50s, 100s and 200s.
The arrested officers include Sergeant Abraham Kiptoo of Embakasi Police Station, PC. Charo Katana of Buruburu Police Station, Cpl. Sarah Karimi of Buruburu Police Station and Sgt. Burton Mathenge of Buruburu Police Station.
“EACC undertook this operation following numerous complaints from motorists and members of the public who alleged that of late, they have consistently witnessed traffic police officers openly collecting bribes from private and public service vehicles either directly or through agents deployed for that purpose,” the Commission said.
According to the anti-graft body, in some cases, drivers placed notes at certain parts of the vehicle such as the driver’s door handle while others dropped notes for collection by the officers from the ground.
Others put the money in their driving licences which they handed to the traffic officers.
“The complainants averred that the elaborate bribery scheme on Outering Road has caused constant traffic snarl-ups.”
During the investigation, EACC Officers observed the officers engaging in the alleged extortion.
Upon arrest, the suspects were escorted to EACC Integrity Centre Police Station where they were held to aid in the investigation. They were later released on police bail of KES10,000 each pending the finalization of the remaining aspects of the investigation, including securing the concurrence of the Director of Public Prosecutions on the recommendation to arraign them before the Anti-Corruption Court.
In the event the DPP approves their prosecution, the officers will after taking a plea be suspended from office until their cases are completed as required under the law.
