Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested three police officers in connection with soliciting bribes from motorists at a road-block along the Webuye- Kitale Road.
In a statement on Friday, July 3, EACC said the three officers were nabbed following investigations launched after receiving numerous complaints from members of the public.
“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three traffic police officers attached to Webuye Police Station for allegedly demanding bribes from motorists at a roadblock along the Webuye- Kitale Road.
“The arrests follow an investigation by the EACC after receiving numerous complaints from members of the public and motorists operating public service vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles regarding rampant extortion by the officers at the roadblock,” EACC stated.
The commission noted that a targeted surveillance operation confirmed the allegations, with investigators reportedly documenting the officers demanding and receiving bribes from motorists entering and leaving the border town without conducting vehicle inspections or enforcing traffic regulations.
The officers identified as Corporal Kipyego Metto, Police Constable Ben Kiptoo Maswai, and Police Constable Alex Kidui Makee were arrested on Thursday.
The three police officers were taken to the EACC Western Regional Office in Bungoma for processing as investigations continue.
EACC said the operation forms part of its ongoing nationwide crackdown on bribery at public service delivery points aimed at improving access to quality services.
“The operation is part of the ongoing crackdown on bribery at public service delivery points to improve access to quality services for all citizens.
“The Commission is scaling up intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting essential public services and sectors prone to bribery,” the statement added.
