EACC headquarters/HANDOUT
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three traffic police officers over allegations of soliciting bribes from motorists at a roadblock along the Webuye-Kitale Road.
In a statement issued on Friday, the anti-graft agency said the arrests followed investigations triggered by numerous complaints from members of the public.
"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.
According to the commission, motorists operating public service and heavy commercial vehicles reported alleged extortion, prompting investigations.
The agency said it mounted a targeted surveillance operation, which allegedly established that the officers were demanding bribes from motorists travelling to and from the border town.
It added that investigators observed the officers allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists without conducting vehicle inspections or enforcing traffic regulations.
"Acting on the complaints, the Commission mounted a targeted surveillance operation that revealed the officers soliciting and demanding bribes from motorists entering or leaving the border town, without conducting any vehicle checks or enforcing traffic regulations," EACC said.
The three officers were arrested on Thursday and taken to the commission's Western Regional Office in Bungoma for processing as investigations continue.
The commission said the operation forms part of its ongoing crackdown on bribery at public service delivery points across the country.
According to EACC, the campaign is intended to improve access to public services by addressing corrupt practices that undermine service delivery and public confidence in government institutions.
The agency said it is intensifying intelligence gathering and surveillance operations targeting sectors considered vulnerable to bribery and extortion.
"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 said.
It added that surveillance efforts are being expanded to essential public services and other sectors identified as being prone to corruption.
EACC has urged members of the public to report incidents of bribery and corruption to enable the commission to investigate and take appropriate enforcement action where warranted.
The commission said it remains committed to combating bribery and corruption in public service delivery.
