The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested traffic police officers in Murang’a and Mtwapa as part of a nationwide crackdown on bribery during the festive season.
The operations, prompted by complaints from motorists, led to the recovery of thousands of shillings allegedly collected from road users, highlighting ongoing concerns over corruption along major highways.
In Murang’a, Police Constable Kelvin Mwangi, attached to the Murang’a Traffic Base, was arrested following a targeted operation along the busy Kenol–Murang’a Road, a key transport corridor.
A search at the time of arrest recovered Sh6,450 in cash, in denominations of Sh50, Sh100, and Sh200, reportedly collected within a two-hour period.
“The other applications have been declined largely due to the absence of the preferred subject combinations or the lack of capacity in the selected schools, and the learners have been advised accordingly,” said the anti-graft body.
Mwangi was taken to the EACC Central Regional Offices for processing before being booked at Nyeri Police Station and released on cash bail while investigations continue.
His colleague, Police Constable Mathew Osike, reportedly escaped during the operation.
In central Kenya, EACC officers disrupted another suspected bribery collection point along the Kerugoya–Kutus Road near Bekam, where traffic officers fled, leaving behind official police attire.
On the Coast, Police Corporal Haroun Mazera Chamutu of the Mtwapa Traffic Base was arrested along the Mombasa–Malindi Highway.
Officers recovered Sh13,750 from Chamutu, who was allegedly soliciting bribes from motorists at the time.
He was processed at the EACC Upper Coast Regional Office in Malindi.
The EACC said the arrests are part of its ongoing nationwide efforts to combat bribery on major roads, particularly during festive periods when travel volumes rise and motorists are at higher risk of exploitation.
“The commission is continuing to scale up intelligence gathering and surveillance activities, especially in public services and sectors prone to corruption, to promote integrity, accountability, and professionalism,” the EACC said.
Corruption on Kenyan roads has long frustrated the public, with motorists frequently accusing traffic officers of extorting bribes to overlook offences or allow vehicles to proceed without documentation.
The EACC urged members of the public to report corruption through established channels, emphasizing that citizen cooperation is critical to enforcement efforts.
The commission reiterated its commitment to holding public officers accountable and deterring practices that undermine trust in law enforcement and compromise road safety during peak travel periods.
