February 12, 2025
Nairobi – In a significant move against corruption within law enforcement, three traffic police officers were arrested today at the Globe Cinema Roundabout in Nairobi. The arrest comes in the wake of the recently released Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) report, which flagged the National Police Service (NPS) as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country.
The officers were apprehended by a team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the EACC following complaints from motorists about rampant bribery at the busy intersection. According to sources, the officers were caught in the act of soliciting and receiving bribes from public service vehicles (PSVs) and private motorists.
The EACC’s latest 2023/2024 financial year report painted a grim picture of corruption in Kenya, with bribery accounting for 42% of all reported corruption cases. Among the institutions listed as the most corrupt were the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the National Police Service, particularly officers manning roadblocks and traffic checkpoints.
Speaking on the arrest, an EACC spokesperson confirmed that the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on corrupt practices within the police force. “We are committed to ensuring that those who misuse their positions to extort money from citizens are brought to justice. These arrests should serve as a warning to other officers engaging in similar activities,” the spokesperson said.
Motorists who frequent the Globe Cinema Roundabout have long complained about police officers demanding bribes under the pretext of traffic violations. “It has become almost impossible to drive past certain roadblocks without parting with something. Even when all your documents are in order, they will find a reason to delay you unless you pay,” lamented one motorist.
The arrested officers have been taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned in court, where they will face charges related to bribery and abuse of office. The EACC has vowed to intensify its investigations into corrupt practices within law enforcement, particularly targeting officers stationed at known bribery hotspots.
These latest developments underscore the urgent need for reforms within the National Police Service to curb corruption and restore public confidence in law enforcement agencies. The EACC has urged Kenyans to continue reporting corruption cases and emphasized the importance of public participation in the fight against graft.
The arrest of the three officers is seen as a crucial step in dismantling systemic corruption within traffic policing, but many believe that broader institutional reforms are necessary to achieve long-term success in eradicating the vice.
Public Reaction
The arrests have sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some lauding the crackdown while others remain skeptical about whether it will lead to lasting change. “This is a good step, but we need to see more action. Corruption in the police service is deeply entrenched,” commented a Nairobi resident.
As the fight against corruption continues, all eyes are on the judiciary to ensure that those found guilty face the full force of the law. The question remains: will this be a turning point in the war against police bribery, or just another short-lived crackdown?
I am a clearing agent at lwakhakha and I submit a report of corruption and corrupt officers working for KRA who without bribing them no service offered I have a video of the same collecting ILLIGAL cash from agents so as to serve us .
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