EACC nabs traffic officers in alleged bribery sting on busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three traffic police officers in an operation targeting alleged bribery activities along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway in the Kyumbi area of Machakos County.

According to a statement from the Commission, the officers were attached to a traffic base in the region and were allegedly involved in soliciting and receiving money from motorists at a roadblock near the Machakos Junction.

EACC indicated that one additional officer who was present at the scene allegedly evaded arrest and is being sought for further questioning.

After the operation, the suspects were taken to the EACC lower Eastern regional office in Machakos, where they were processed and had their statements recorded.

The Commission said the sting was part of its ongoing campaign to curb corruption in public service, particularly within law enforcement agencies that interact frequently with members of the public.

“The operation forms part of the Commission’s sustained efforts to combat corruption within law enforcement and to promote integrity, accountability, and professionalism in public service,” it said.

The EACC noted that traffic corridors remain areas of concern for its investigators due to long-standing allegations of irregular cash collections from motorists, especially on major highways that serve as key economic links.

The Nairobi-Mombasa Highway is among the busiest transport routes in the country, connecting the capital to the Port of Mombasa and supporting both trade and international transit.

In its communication, the Commission emphasised that the fight against graft within enforcement agencies is aimed at not only deterring misconduct but also protecting public confidence in institutions tasked with ensuring road safety and order.

It added that corruption on highways not only undermines the rule of law but can also distort transport costs for businesses and motorists.

The EACC further urged both citizens and public officers to report suspected corruption incidents, noting that tackling bribery requires joint responsibility between oversight institutions, government agencies and the wider public.

It encouraged motorists who ply the country’s transport networks to speak up when they encounter unethical conduct, stating that such reports assist in building credible evidence for investigations.

The arrest of the officers comes hot on the heels of another operation that saw a five police officers were arrested in separate incidents late last month in Sondu along the Kisumyu-Kisii Highway and along the Likoni-Lungalunga Road.

EACC said the three officers arrested in Sondu followed a targeted surveillance operation after receiving multiple complaints from motorists and members of the public.

“The commission received multiple complaints from motorists and members of the public regarding persistent extortion by traffic officers operating along the highway,” the commission said.

It said the investigators found the officers actively soliciting and demanding bribes from motorists, in some cases without carrying out any vehicle inspections or enforcing traffic regulations.

“During the operation, the suspects were found actively soliciting and demanding bribes from road users, often without conducting any vehicle inspections or enforcing traffic regulations,” the statement said.