Suspect arrested /STAR ILLUSTRATIONThe Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two traffic police officers in Meru County over allegations of extorting motorists and receiving bribes along the Maua–Makutano Road.
According to the commission, the arrests were made on Friday, October 16, following a targeted surveillance operation.
In a statement, the EACC said its officers recovered Sh23,000 in various denominations from the two officers during the operation.
The commission also impounded a Toyota Fielder which was parked beside the road.
The two officers were subsequently escorted to the EACC’s Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo for processing and recording of statements.
The arrests come amid separate efforts by the commission to investigate alleged bribery involving public officers handling government services.
Earlier, the EACC arrested a clerical officer attached to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) headquarters over allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe to facilitate the processing of a driving licence.
The arrest followed investigations into a complaint by a matatu driver who alleged that the officer had demanded Sh18,000 to facilitate the issuance of the licence.
According to the commission, the officer was arrested within the NTSA headquarters premises while receiving Sh8,000, which the EACC described as part of the alleged bribe.
The officer was taken to the Integrity Centre for processing and later released on a cash bail of Sh50,000 pending the conclusion of investigations.
The two incidents involve separate allegations and investigations by the commission.
The EACC reiterated its commitment to tackling bribery and corruption, particularly at service delivery points, as it seeks to promote accountability among public officers.
In its statement on the Meru arrests, the commission said it was committed to ensuring that public officers uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
The commission also said its efforts were aimed at restoring public trust and improving access to quality services for all citizens.
The arrests do not in themselves establish wrongdoing, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.
