By Mercy Jeptoo
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested nine police officers in connection with bribery during an ongoing crackdown on corruption, particularly targeting road users. The officers were apprehended between December 25 and December 31, as EACC detectives conducted operations across major highways during the festive season.
EACC spokesperson Erick Ngombi confirmed the arrests, highlighting that the officers had been demanding bribes from motorists, a practice the commission has been working tirelessly to curb. The arrested officers were ambushed in various counties, including Kajiado, Nakuru, and Kisii.
According to Ngombi, two officers, Police Constable (PC) Muendi Okech and Corporal James Gitonga, were caught along the Nairobi-Namanga road. Meanwhile, PC Dae Ronald Wakachanga and Corporal Mustafa Babuye were arrested on the Kisii-Rongo road. The remaining five officers—Sergeant Susan Potishon, PC Duncan Bonn, Corporal Joshua Kipkurui, PC Ruth Ngugi, and PC Vincent Otieno—were apprehended at Salgaa in Nakuru and along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
The commission also reported the discovery of hidden money believed to have been concealed by Corporal Simon Karanja on December 26. The money was recovered in a bush near Gathenge, along the Makutano-Embu highway.
EACC has emphasized that the officers' cases have been processed, with legal action to follow. The commission’s continued efforts aim to ensure accountability and transparency in law enforcement, especially in areas prone to corruption, such as traffic enforcement.