The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two traffic police officers over allegations of extorting money from motorists along the Maua–Makutano Road near Kemu in Meru County.
The two officers, identified as Senior Sergeant Robert Kibet Busienei and Police Constable Janet Rose Makena, were arrested following a targeted surveillance operation conducted by the anti-graft agency on Friday.
According to the EACC, the officers are suspected of soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists using the busy road. The arrests form part of the commission’s efforts to address bribery and corruption involving public officers, particularly those entrusted with enforcing traffic laws.
During the operation, EACC investigators recovered KSh 23,000 in various denominations from the two officers. The commission also impounded a Toyota Fielder, registration number KDC 873T, which was parked beside the road at the time of the operation.
The recovered cash and the impounded vehicle are expected to form part of the evidence gathered during investigations into the alleged bribery incident. However, the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the money and the vehicle’s alleged connection to the case will be subject to further investigations.
Following their arrest, the two officers were escorted to the EACC’s Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo for processing and the recording of their statements.
The commission did not provide further details on the specific amounts allegedly demanded from individual motorists or the duration over which the suspected bribery activities had been taking place.
The arrests come amid continued efforts by anti-corruption authorities to hold public officers accountable for alleged abuse of office and corrupt practices. Traffic officers interact regularly with motorists during enforcement operations, making accountability and integrity important in ensuring that traffic laws are applied fairly.
In its statement, the EACC reiterated its commitment to combating bribery and corruption and ensuring that public officers uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability while discharging their duties.
The commission’s latest operation also underscores the role of surveillance and intelligence-led investigations in identifying and addressing suspected corruption involving public officials.
