Events in Murang’a town have once again drawn public attention to the ongoing fight against corruption within the police service, following a carefully planned operation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Acting on information provided by members of the public, EACC officers carried out a covert sting aimed at traffic police officers accused of soliciting bribes from motorists along busy roads in the area.
The operation focused on the Kenol–Murang’a Road, a key route that experiences heavy traffic daily. After weeks of quiet surveillance, investigators moved in and caught one officer in the act while receiving illegal cash from motorists. The bribe was allegedly demanded in exchange for overlooking traffic violations, a practice that not only undermines the rule of law but also puts road users at risk.
The arrested officer, Police Constable Kelvin Mwangi, is attached to the Murang’a Traffic Base. According to investigators, he had been under close watch for several weeks as the commission gathered evidence to build a strong case.
When he was arrested, a search led to the recovery of Ksh.6,450 in small denominations of Ksh.50, Ksh.100, and Ksh.200 notes.
EACC believes the money was collected from motorists within a short period of about two hours.
During the same operation, Mwangi’s colleague, Police Constable Mathew Osike, managed to escape arrest. Investigations into his alleged involvement are still ongoing.
Mwangi was escorted to the EACC Central Regional Offices for processing before being booked at Nyeri Police Station. He was later released on cash bail as investigations continue.
The operation did not end in Murang’a town. EACC officers also moved to another suspected bribery point along the Kerugoya–Kutus Road near the Bekam area. When officers at that location noticed the presence of investigators, they fled into nearby bushes, leaving behind their official police uniforms. This incident further raised concerns about how widespread the problem may be on major highways.
News of the arrest has sparked mixed reactions among Murang’a residents. Many people welcomed the action, saying it showed that enforcement agencies are becoming more serious about holding corrupt officers accountable. Others expressed worry that bribery has become so common that motorists often feel forced to pay in order to continue their journeys without delays.
The Murang’a arrest follows a similar case in Mtwapa town, where another traffic officer, Mazera Haron, was arrested over bribery allegations along the Mtwapa–Malindi Road. After days of surveillance, EACC officers intercepted him and recovered Ksh.13,750 in Ksh.100 notes, which investigators believe were proceeds of corruption.
The EACC has reaffirmed its commitment to continue rooting out corruption at all levels and has urged the public to report any suspicious activities.
The arrested officers now face serious charges, and if found guilty, they could face tough penalties, sending a clear warning to others involved in similar misconduct.
