Two police officers in Nyeri were arrested on April 24 after allegedly seizing and hiding two kilos of bhang, a narcotic substance, at a local police station. The incident, which also involves bribery claims, has raised serious concerns about corruption within the force.
According to police authorities, the two officers had confiscated the drugs from a woman on April 15, but instead of following proper procedures, they demanded a bribe of Sh100,000 for her release. The woman claimed she paid the bribe, but the officers failed to release her narcotics or officially record the recovery at the station, which is a legal requirement for such seizures.
The situation came to light when the woman, frustrated by the officers’ actions, informed a local politician. In response, the politician organized a protest, which prompted the police to investigate. Officers from Tetu district conducted a search of the two officers’ residences at Muthinga Police Post. During the search, they uncovered a bag containing what appeared to be two kilos of bhang at the female officer’s house. The second officer, a male, was arrested after it was discovered he had collected the bribe.
Authorities have emphasized that no official report was made in the Occurrence Book, nor was the station commander informed of the incident, which is a clear violation of procedure. Police have described this case as isolated but are continuing to investigate to uncover more details.
This case adds to the growing number of reports involving police officers engaging in criminal activities. In recent months, security agencies have intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking, with significant seizures made, including imports from neighboring countries. However, incidents like this undermine public trust in the police and highlight the need for continued oversight and accountability within the force.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police have assured the public that they are taking measures to address such cases and maintain the integrity of their operations
