The mere presence of a traffic police officer on any road waving down a motorist sets off incredible anger for millions of public-spirited citizens.
Their white caps, instead of inspiring hope and reassuring the public about enforcement of the law, has become a symbol of revulsion and ridicule for passengers in public transport and motorists in general.
Their public display of impunity as lorry drivers and matatu crew press bribe money into their hands ruins the moral fabric of an entire nation, and saps away our patriotic fervour.
It is therefore glad to learn that top cops at police headquarters, on November 30, banned all traffic police officers from carrying firearms.
In the event they need protection, a general duty police officer can back them up.
The order, we are reliably informed, is nothing new. Similar orders have been ignored in the past.
Police commanders know that traffic police officers are illegally armed so they can scare off anti-corruption agency officers in the event they are caught taking a bribe.
Police headquarters have a duty to eradicate this most sickening and criminal behaviour by the very force meant to set moral standards for all to follow.
The corruption cartels in the police service are far more vicious and ruthless for the Independent Police Oversight Authority to handle.
The entire traffic police service is a disgrace and source of shame that Inspector General Japhet Koome must make every effort to eradicate.
Quote of the day: "It is not wisdom but Authority that makes a law.”
Thomas Hobbes
The English philosopher died on December 4, 1679
