The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Traffic Department has strategically stationed plainclothes officers along major highways with the aim of apprehending police officers involved in extorting bribes from motorists.
Commissioner Serah Koki of the Traffic Police disclosed that these officers are positioned at various hotspots along all highways and have been tasked with apprehending both corrupt officers and drivers offering bribes.
During a joint operation targeting unroadworthy vehicles along the Thika-Nyeri highway in Makuyu, Koki emphasized that those caught engaging in corrupt practices will be subjected to legal consequences.
Koki stated, “The culture of traffic police obtaining bribes on the roads has tainted the service and should come to an end. We have laid a strategy, and any officer caught taking a bribe will face the law. We shall be quite strict on this one.”
She further highlighted ongoing initiatives, including talks and civic education programs with police officers, to eradicate the vice. Koki urged officers to perform their duties diligently, enforcing the law and making arrests without resorting to bribery.
National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Director Andrew Kiplagat echoed these sentiments, noting that the crackdowns along major highways have contributed to a decline in road-related fatalities. He emphasized that the crackdowns will persist until order is restored on the roads.
Matatu operators apprehended for carrying excess passengers appealed to law enforcement officers, asking for understanding in the current challenging business environment. Njiiri Mwangi, one of those detained, defended matatu operators, explaining that they chose to carry extra passengers due to the significant increase in fuel prices. Mwangi emphasized the need for the government to consider the challenges faced by operators, stating that operating at a loss or withdrawing vehicles from service could be the alternatives if fares are not adjusted.
