EACC has launched a manhunt for traffic police officers who managed to escape arrest during the operation that targeted officers accused of soliciting bribes from motorists along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa Highway.
They were among five traffic police officers based at Kyumbi Traffic Police Base in Machakos County, whom EACC detectives had been following, upon receiving intelligence information that there was rampant bribery at a roadblock near Machakos Junction.
During the operation conducted on Tuesday, three officers, two at the rank of corporal and one constable, were arrested while at least one of their colleagues managed to escape. The arrested officers were taken to the EACC Lower Eastern Regional Office in Machakos, where they were processed and recorded statements.
The Commission further stated that suspects solicited and received bribes from motorists traversing Kyumbi, a critical traffic traverse point between Nairobi and the Coast.
“This operation is part of EACC’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption within law enforcement and promote integrity, accountability, and professionalism in public service,” the commission said in a statement.
Public called upon to Report Corruption
EACC has appealed to the general public and fellow law enforcement officers to report incidents of bribery and other corrupt practices, saying public cooperation remains essential in dismantling entrenched corruption networks.
Investigators said the operation in Kyumbi was intelligence-led and followed complaints from motorists who claimed that officers were demanding bribes without conducting legitimate traffic checks.
Pattern of Repeat Arrests
The new arrests add to a growing list of similar operations carried out by the commission in recent weeks, underscoring a sustained problem within the traffic enforcement units, according to EACC.
EACC officers arrested two traffic police officers in Muranga and Mombasa counties in two separate sting operations last December 30, following public complaints of rampant bribery.
In Murang’a County, one officer attached to the local traffic base was arrested along the Kenol–Murang’a Road, where investigators recovered KSh6,450 in denominations of KSh50, KSh100, and KSh200. The commission said the money was believed to have been collected within just two hours.
In a related operation, another officer was apprehended along the Kerugoya-Kutus Road while reportedly receiving a bribe. The suspect disappeared into nearby bushes, leaving official police attire at the scene.
In Kilifi County, the same EACC officers apprehended another traffic officer along Mtwapa–Malindi Road. The suspect was found in possession of KSh13,750 in KSh100 notes, believed to be proceeds of corruption.
EACC says the repeated arrests point to a worrying trend but insists that enforcement actions will continue until corrupt practices within the traffic police are rooted out. While investigating the matter, the commission warned that those officers who try to evade arrest will be tracked down and brought to book, as corruption in the police undermines public trust in road policing.
