Officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested four traffic police officers accused of extorting money from motorists in Kericho County. The arrests occurred at two separate locations notorious for bribery activities.
The Arrests
The first two officers apprehended were Rachael Aiyabei (Service No. 77429) and Police Constable John Oluoch (Service No. 92235). They were caught red-handed at a well-known bribe collection point in Litein town, along the Sotik-Kericho road. The EACC officers, acting on credible intelligence and numerous complaints from the public, carried out the arrests swiftly to disrupt the ongoing illegal activities.
Shortly after, another team of EACC officers arrested two more officers—Cynthia Kemoi (Service No. 73151) and PC Philip Sitienei (Service No. 79604)—along the Kericho-Nakuru Road near Kaisugu Tea Factory. The arrests of these four officers underscore the EACC’s commitment to addressing bribery and corruption within the police force, particularly in areas known for such malpractice.
Public Outcry and EACC’s Intervention
The EACC’s intervention came after numerous complaints were lodged by motorists and the general public. According to Eric Ngumbi, the Commission’s Spokesperson, there were widespread reports of traffic police officers along the Sotik-Kericho road extorting money under the guise of traffic law enforcement. These complaints highlighted how bribery and corruption have become rampant in certain areas, contributing to poor road safety and increased road accidents.
“The public should understand that bribery, while often viewed as a minor infraction, has severe consequences. It compromises road safety to the extent that lives are lost,” said Ngumbi during a press briefing. He reiterated the Commission’s resolve to combat all forms of corruption, no matter how trivial they may appear.
Implications of Bribery on Road Safety
The arrests come at a time when road accidents are becoming increasingly frequent on major highways in Kenya, including the Nairobi-Western Kenya route. The EACC noted that one of the key contributors to these accidents is the non-compliance with established road safety regulations, often resulting from motorists bribing traffic officers to avoid penalties for infractions.
Such corrupt practices enable unroadworthy vehicles to remain on the roads, unchecked drivers to continue driving, and traffic rules to be violated with impunity. As a result, the safety of road users is significantly compromised, and the risk of accidents increases, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
Processing and Legal Proceedings
The four officers were arrested on Tuesday evening and processed at the EACC South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru on Wednesday. They were released on bail as investigations continue, with the Commission pledging to finalize the probe swiftly and bring those involved in corrupt practices to justice. The EACC’s action is a clear warning to other officers that corruption will not be tolerated and that the Commission is committed to upholding the integrity of public service.
A Call for Public Cooperation
The EACC has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of bribery or corruption. Ngumbi emphasized that fighting corruption is a collective responsibility, and the public should not hesitate to report rogue officers who undermine the safety and well-being of society through corrupt practices.
The Commission’s efforts to address corruption in traffic enforcement highlight the critical need for integrity in law enforcement. As the EACC continues its investigation, the public is hopeful that such actions will deter further instances of bribery and restore confidence in the institutions charged with maintaining public safety.
By tackling corruption head-on, the EACC aims to create a safer and more equitable environment on Kenya’s roads, ensuring that all motorists are held to the same standard of law, free from the influence of bribery and corruption.
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