EACC confirms arrest of 4 traffic officers over bribery

The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) has confirmed the arrest of four traffic police officers over bribery.

Two of the traffic police officers, Corporal Rachael Aiyabei and Police Constable John Oluoch, were arrested in Litein town, along Sotik-Kericho road, a spot EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi termed a notorious bribe collection spot.

Ngumbi says that the commission intervened following numerous complaints that traffic police officers along Sotik-Kericho road were notoriously extorting money from motorists and members of the public in the guise of traffic law enforcement, thus contributing to road accidents.

The suspects, who were arrested on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, were processed at EACC South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru, on Wednesday and released on bail pending finalization of the probe.

“The Commission reminds members of the public that while the majority view bribery as petty corruption, its implications are gross as it compromises road safety to the extent of claiming lives. Non-compliance with the established road safety regulations on account of payment of bribes is a notable cause of the road accidents witnessed on major highways, especially from Nairobi to Western Kenya,” Ngumbi said.

More officers arrested

The two other traffic cops, Corporal Cynthia Kemoi and Police Constable Philip Sitienei, were arrested by EACC detectives who were transporting the two officers from Litein Town to Nakuru.

The last two were arrested along Kericho-Nakuru Road near Kaisugu Tea Factory. They are from Kericho Police Station