Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested nine traffic police officers for abetting corruption by collecting bribes from motorists.

The nine were nabbed in different bribe collection spots in Nakuru, Kajiado and Kisii counties as the commission undertakes operations on major highways in the country during the festive season.

EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrests saying the nine officers were arrested between December 25 and 31, 2024 have since been processed.

He said that two of the officers namely; PC Muendi Okech and CPL James Gitonga were nabbed along Nairobi-Namanga Road in Kajiado County while two others Cpl Mustafa Babuye and PC Dae Ronald Wakachanga were arrested in Kisii, along Kisii-Rongo Road on Christmas Day.

The remaining five officers including Sgt Susan Potishoi, Cpl Joshua Kipkurui, PC Duncan Bonn, PC Vincent Otieno and PC Ruth Ngugi were at Salgaa in Nakuru, along Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret Highway on December 30.

The commission at the same time collected money in a nearby bush at Gathoge area, along the Makutano-Embu Highway, which had been hidden by Corporal Simon Karanja after he reportedly escaped the EACC dragnet on December 26, 2024.

Officers apprehended in Kisii were detained at Nyamarambe Police Traffic Base, those in Nakuru were held at Salgaa. At the same time, those in Kajiado and Embu were processed at Kajiado and Wanguru Police Stations. 

They were later released on cash bail pending finalization of the investigation and further action.

 During operations, EACC noted that motorists have been offering bribes to police officers to escape sanctions for traffic violations such as ignoring speed limits, driving without a valid license, and overloading.

The anti-graft body now implores security personnel and all road users to adhere to traffic laws in order to curb road accidents during the festive season.