Governor Mike Sonko has asked residents of Nairobi to report bribery cases against city askaris.
In a social media post on Sunday night, he also told residents to reject illegal "Kangaroo" courts by inspectorate officers held in county vans.
"In case you are arrested by our askaris and they put you in a van and ask for money text us and ask for the money, indicate the location and number plate of the van to 0722886600. We will bring to them brand new Sh1,000 notes," read the post.
Sonko also told the public to report county vans spotted doing illegal activities.
County officers have been accused of soliciting bribes during patrols in the city.
Hawkers, who are the main victims, say the askaris can arrest and release a person even up to three times a day depending on how you "feed" the askaris.
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Nairobians responded to Sonko's post. One reported a county van KWE 282 was spotted last week on Thursday in Kilimani with askaris taking bribes.
"Why do county officials have this sense of entitlement as if it is their right to be bribed to give us services?" asked Joy Nyakio.
"The best idea would be for the entire kanjo team to reapply afresh for their jobs so that criminals within can be sent home," Jaf Jim said
"The problem is men masquerading as Kanjo and extorting money from innocent Kenyans. In Nairobi, people are robbed in broad daylight. Mahindi choma [roast maize] is sold right in the CBD at night. The seller will tell u that wakubwa [bosses] know about it. Just clean up all heads of Kanjo and if possible let them be under probation for a period of one year if nothing changes then there is nothing wrong in sacking them," Ogiti Wyclif said.
"Ask citizens to create estate committees called Friends of the Governor, give them badges to assist you in reporting or stopping the evils," Joanem Moshirem said.
Last week, Nairobi Hawkers’ Association chairman Waweru Kimani told the Star that ever since hawkers were banned from operating within CBD, it has been a normal daily routine of chase and run between the hawkers and askaris.
"It's either one is arrested and taken to city Hall Court or one is arrested and kept in the van until they agree to pay some money, or the commodities are carried into the van upon which the trader has to follow up and still pay something small," Waweru said.