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A police officer accused of masquerading as a traffic cop was arrested on Thursday morning in Nairobi’s Muthaiga area while allegedly attempting to extort money from a businessman.
According to police, the suspect had earlier extorted $300 (Sh38,700) and Sh9,000 from a foreign expatriate in Karen. The incident is the latest in a string of cases linking police officers to criminal activity.
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Police headquarters described the matter as an isolated case and confirmed that investigations are underway to ensure appropriate action is taken.
The complainant, a former chairman of a blue-chip company and Muthaiga resident, said the incident occurred at about 10am as he drove home. He was reportedly stopped by a man dressed in a khaki police uniform bearing two military-style stars, a white cap, reflective jacket and carrying a notebook.
The suspect allegedly accused him of driving an unroadworthy vehicle due to a dented boot and claimed the offence carried a Sh350,000 court fine. He then directed the businessman to Park Road in Pangani, where they stopped.
It was there that the officer allegedly demanded Sh50,000 to drop the case and avoid taking him to court.
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Growing suspicious, the businessman raised alarm, attracting the attention of traffic officers stationed along Park Road, who quickly intervened. Both the complainant and the suspect were escorted to Pangani Police Station.
At the station, the suspect identified himself as an Inspector of Police attached to CIPU headquarters in Siaya County. It was established that he had travelled to Nairobi, acquired a traffic police uniform and used it to carry out the alleged scheme. Authorities believe several motorists may have fallen victim to the scam.
The complaint was formally recorded and the suspect handed over to detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Pangani for further questioning.
Investigators are now working to determine how many people he may have conned.
In a similar case in 2024, another officer reportedly travelled from Makueni County to Nairobi’s Industrial Area to conduct unauthorised traffic operations. He was later subjected to internal disciplinary action, officials said.
