The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has stepped up efforts to fight bribery on Kenyan roads during the festive season, arresting traffic police officers in Murang’a and Mtwapa for allegedly soliciting and receiving money from motorists.
These actions are part of a wider effort to promote integrity and accountability in public service, especially in sectors where corruption is known to be common.
In Murang’a, Police Constable Kelvin Mwangi, attached to the Murang’a Traffic Base, was arrested following a targeted surveillance operation along the Kenol–Murang’a Road.
The operation came after several complaints from members of the public about traffic officers allegedly taking bribes. During a search of the suspect, EACC officers recovered Kes 6,450 in small denominations, believed to have been collected over a short period of just two hours.
Another officer, PC Mathew Osike, who was reportedly involved, managed to escape arrest. After his arrest, Mwangi 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. During the same operation, EACC officers disrupted another suspected bribery point along the Kerugoya–Kutus Road near the Bekam area. In that instance, traffic officers reportedly fled into nearby bushes, leaving behind their police uniforms.
At the Coast, Police Corporal Haroun Mazera Chamutu of the Mtwapa Traffic Base was arrested along the Mombasa–Malindi Highway. Officers recovered Kes 13,750 in various denominations from the suspect at the time of his arrest.
He was taken to the EACC Upper Coast Regional Office in Malindi for statement recording and further processing.
These arrests highlight the Commission’s continued focus on addressing corruption on major highways, particularly during periods of high travel like the festive season.
The EACC has emphasized that intelligence gathering and surveillance operations will continue across the country, targeting essential public services and other sectors prone to corrupt practices.
The Commission hopes to foster professionalism and accountability among public officers, ensuring that citizens can access services without being subjected to illegal demands for money.
The EACC has also called on the public to play an active role in the fight against corruption by reporting any incidents of bribery or misconduct. Citizens can use the Commission’s reporting channels to provide information, which will help authorities take timely action. Through these ongoing efforts, the Commission aims to create a culture of transparency and integrity in public service, where citizens can trust that officials perform their duties honestly and fairly.
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