Murkomen warns police against using low salary as bribe excuse

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned police officers and other public servants against using low pay as a justification for engaging in corruption.

Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in the Bomet County Chapter on Friday, August 8, 2025, Murkomen said there should be “no excuse for any criminal activity,” regardless of personal financial challenges.

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“You got the job knowing the salary,” Murkomen told officers. “There is no reason to engage in bribery or any other impropriety simply because you believe your pay is little.”

No excuse for bribery

Murkomen dismissed arguments that police corruption is driven by living conditions. “Sidhani ni vizuri kusema ufisadi ya polisi ni kwa mazingira wanoishi,” he said. “Natuko tayari kushirikiana na EACC kwa wale watakaoshikwa wafunguliwe mashtaka, lazima wafungwe.”

The CS added that the widespread presence of police across the country contributes to their position at the top of corruption rankings. “Sababu moja tunaongoza polisi kwa ufisadi ni sababu tuko pande zote za Kenya,” he noted.

Role of the community

Murkomen also pointed out that officers are not the only actors in bribery transactions. “Pia polisi hawajipatii hongo, wanapewa,” he said. He urged Kenyans to reflect on how they can help combat the vice collectively, stating: “Ni community tufikirie vile tutapambana wote kwa pamoja.”

EACC ranks police

Murkomen’s remarks come just days after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) released a survey ranking police officers as the most corrupt and unethical professionals in Kenya.

The report, published on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, found that corruption is among the leading vices in the country’s employment sector. Police topped the list, followed by Kenya Revenue Authority officers at 17.3% and Chiefs at 16.2%.

The EACC said bribes are most commonly solicited in public service offices, particularly for Teachers Service Commission placements, CDF bursaries, and government cards. The Interior Ministry had the highest likelihood of bribe requests at 47.8 per cent, followed by Health, Treasury, Lands and Housing, and Education.