The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two traffic police officers in separate operations in Murang’a and Mtwapa towns over allegations of soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists along major highways.
In Murang’a town, EACC officers arrested Police Constable Kelvin Mwangi, who is attached to the Murang’a Traffic Base, following a targeted surveillance operation along the busy Kenol–Murang’a Road.
The operation was initiated after the Commission received multiple complaints from members of the public alleging rampant bribery by traffic officers in the area.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of sh 6,450 in denominations of sh 50, 100 and 200, which investigators believe was collected within a two-hour period.
Another officer, identified as Police Constable Mathew Osike, reportedly escaped arrest during the operation.
The suspect was escorted to the EACC Central Regional Offices for processing before being booked at Nyeri Police Station.
He was later released on cash bail pending the completion of investigations.
During the same operation, EACC officers also disrupted a suspected bribery collection point along the Kerugoya–Kutus Road near the Bekam area, where traffic officers fled into nearby bushes, leaving behind official police attire.
In a separate operation at the Coast, EACC officers arrested Police Corporal Haroun Mazera Chamutu, attached to the Mtwapa Traffic Base, for allegedly soliciting bribes from motorists along the Mombasa–Malindi Highway.
Upon his arrest, officers recovered sh 13,750 in various denominations believed to be proceeds of bribery.
He was escorted to the EACC Upper Coast Regional Office in Malindi for statement recording and further processing.
According to the Commission, the arrests form part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on bribery and corruption along major roads, particularly during the festive season.
EACC said it is intensifying intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting essential public services and sectors prone to corruption in a bid to promote integrity, accountability and professionalism in public service.
The Commission has urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of corruption through its established reporting channels.
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