NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three traffic police officers over allegations of demanding bribes from motorists at a roadblock along the Webuye-Kitale Road, intensifying its crackdown on corruption within public service.
The arrests were made on Friday following investigations triggered by numerous complaints from motorists, including public service vehicle operators and heavy commercial truck drivers, who alleged rampant extortion at the busy roadblock.
According to the anti-graft agency, intelligence gathered during a targeted surveillance operation established that the officers were allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists travelling to and from the border town without conducting vehicle inspections or enforcing traffic regulations.
The suspects were taken to the EACC’s Western Regional Office in Bungoma for processing as investigations continue.
“The arrests follow an investigation by the EACC after receiving numerous complaints from members of the public and motorists operating public service vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles regarding rampant extortion by the officers at the roadblock,” the commission said in a statement.
Part of nationwide anti-corruption drive
EACC said the operation is part of its ongoing nationwide campaign against bribery at public service delivery points.
The commission noted that it has stepped up intelligence gathering and surveillance in sectors considered vulnerable to corruption, with the aim of improving service delivery and restoring public confidence in government institutions.
It added that eliminating bribery remains critical to ensuring citizens receive public services without unlawful demands for payments.
The latest arrests follow a similar operation conducted earlier this year along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway near Machakos Junction, where several traffic police officers were arrested over allegations of soliciting bribes from motorists.
EACC also launched a manhunt for other officers who allegedly escaped during that operation.
Survey highlights corruption concerns
The arrests come against the backdrop of findings in the Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025, which identified police officers among the public officials most frequently associated with bribery in service delivery.
According to the survey, police officers received an average bribe of Sh4,656, while judicial officers recorded the highest average bribe at Sh164,367, underscoring persistent corruption challenges across key public institutions.
The Constitution of Kenya requires public officers to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties. The Leadership and Integrity Act and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act also prohibit public officials from soliciting or receiving bribes while performing public functions.
The three officers remain under investigation, with EACC expected to determine whether criminal charges will be preferred upon completion of the inquiry.