Nine police officers have been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly soliciting bribes from road users, primarily motorists, in a series of operations conducted over the festive season.
The arrests, which took place between December 25 and December 31, occurred across multiple counties including Kajiado, Nakuru, and Kisii. The officers were apprehended at various locations along key highways, as the EACC intensifies its crackdown on corruption.
Among those arrested were Police Constables (PC) Muendi Okech and James Gitonga, who were caught on the Nairobi-Namanga road. Additionally, PC Ronald Wakachanga and Corporal Mustafa Babuye were arrested along the Kisii-Rongo road.
The other five officers, including Sergeant Susan Potishon, PC Dancun Bonn, Corporal Joshua Kipkurui, PC Ruth Ngugi, and PC Vincent Otieno, were nabbed at Salgaa in Nakuru, as well as along the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
EACC spokesperson Erick Ngombi confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations are ongoing. “The officers were caught demanding bribes from unsuspecting motorists, an act that goes against the ethical standards of the police force,” he said.
In addition to the arrests, the EACC also uncovered cash hidden in a bush in the Gathenge area along the Makutano-Embu highway. The money, believed to have been concealed by Corporal Simon Karanja, was discovered on December 26.
The EACC has vowed to continue its operations to root out corruption within the police service, especially during peak travel periods such as the holiday season.