Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has sounded the alarm over reports of traffic police officers, particularly in Eldoret, allegedly soliciting bribes from Public Service Vehicle (PSV) owners covered by Xplico Insurance.

Kuria expressed his bewilderment, highlighting that the insurance firm was only placed under receivership on Friday, hence making it illogical to harass drivers who are covered by the now defunct insurer over the weekend.

“I have received reports about traffic police officers asking for bribes from PSV owners who have cover from Explico Insurance, which was only put under receivership yesterday. It's not reasonable to expect innocent policyholders to get new cover over the weekend," Kuria wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The CS revealed that he had brought the issue to the attention of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, urging authorities to swiftly investigate and address the reported incidents.

"Any police officers, especially around Eldoret Town, who are doing this, do it at your own risk," warned Kuria.

He called on the affected PSV owners to stand firm and resist any attempts to compromise them into corruption or paying bribes.

This comes a day after the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) placed Xplico Insurance under statutory management, with the Policyholders Compensation Fund (PCF) appointed to manage the insurer.

“The insurer is prohibited from issuing any new insurance contracts from 8th December 2023,” IRA said in a statement.

All existing policyholders have been told to promptly seek alternative coverage from other licensed insurers to avoid unnecessary exposure.