Two traffic police officers have been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over suspected bribery involving motorists along the Maua–Makutano Road near Kemu in Meru County.
The officers, identified as Senior Sergeant Robert Kibet Busienei and Police Constable Janet Rose Makena, were arrested on Friday, October 16, following a targeted surveillance operation by EACC investigators.
The arrests came amid concerns over traffic officers who use their positions to demand money from motorists instead of enforcing traffic laws fairly. According to the commission, the two officers are suspected of extorting money from motorists and receiving bribes while on duty along the busy road.
During the operation, EACC officers recovered Ksh 23,000 in different denominations from the two suspects. The commission also impounded a Toyota Fielder, registration number KDC 873T, which had been parked beside the road.
The money recovered during the operation is expected to form part of the evidence examined by investigators as they pursue the case. However, the circumstances under which the cash was obtained and its connection to the suspected bribery will be subject to further investigation.
Following their arrest, Busienei and Makena were escorted to the EACC Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo. They were taken there for processing and recording of statements as investigators began the next stage of the case.
Bribery involving traffic officers places an additional burden on motorists who are expected to comply with road safety regulations and pay legitimate charges where required.
When officers demand money to allow drivers to proceed or avoid enforcement action, it undermines public trust in the police and weakens efforts to ensure that traffic laws are applied equally.
Traffic officers are responsible for enforcing road regulations, preventing dangerous driving and helping maintain order on public roads.
Their positions require them to exercise their authority professionally and without using their powers for personal gain.
The latest arrests form part of the EACC’s wider efforts to investigate corruption within public institutions and hold public officers accountable for their conduct.
The commission has repeatedly maintained that corruption must be addressed to protect public resources and improve service delivery.
In its statement, the EACC reaffirmed its commitment to fighting bribery and corruption, adding that public officers must uphold high standards of integrity and accountability while carrying out their duties.
The case now places Busienei and Makena under investigation over the suspected offences.
