EACC Arrests Murang’a Traffic Officer Over Ksh6,450 Bribe

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two traffic police officers in separate operations in Murang’a and Mombasa counties over alleged bribery.

The arrests were carried out on Tuesday, 30 December, following public complaints about corrupt practices by traffic officers during the festive travel period. In Murang’a County, an officer attached to the local traffic base was arrested along the Kenol–Murang’a Road. Investigators recovered Ksh6,450 in small denominations, which the commission said was suspected to have been collected while on duty.

The officer was taken to the EACC Central Regional Offices for processing before being booked at Nyeri Police Station. He was later released on cash bail as investigations continue.

In a separate operation in Mombasa County, another traffic officer was intercepted along the Mtwapa–Malindi Road. The officer was found with Ksh13,750, mostly in Ksh100 notes, which the EACC believes to be proceeds of bribery. He was taken to the commission’s Upper Coast Regional Office in Malindi for questioning and further processing.

In a related incident in Kirinyaga County, a traffic officer fled into nearby bushes after being confronted by investigators along the Kerugoya–Kutus Road. The officer abandoned his official police uniform at the scene and escaped.

The EACC said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to address corruption in public service, particularly in areas where citizens frequently interact with government officials. The commission said that it has increased intelligence gathering and surveillance in sectors considered vulnerable to corruption, including traffic enforcement.

The latest arrests follow a recent operation along the Kisumu–Kisii highway at Sondu, where three traffic officers, including a police inspector, were arrested over allegations of demanding bribes from motorists. Cash in various denominations was recovered from the suspects, who were accused of collecting money without carrying out traffic inspections or enforcing regulations.

The commission noted that the festive season often presents increased opportunities for corrupt practices due to higher traffic volumes.