Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Saturday arrested three traffic police officers, among them a Police Inspector, over allegations of soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists along the Kisumu–Kisii Highway.
The officers were apprehended during a targeted operation conducted at Sondu following numerous complaints from road users who accused traffic police along the route of rampant extortion.
According to the EACC, motorists had raised concerns over increasing demands for bribes despite no traffic offences being committed.
In a statement issued on December 27, the commission revealed that the sting operation was launched to establish the credibility of the complaints.
Investigators reportedly observed the officers stopping motorists and demanding cash without carrying out vehicle inspections or enforcing any traffic laws.
Upon arrest, the suspects were allegedly found with cash in different denominations believed to have been obtained through corrupt dealings.
They were initially taken to the EACC Central Nyanza Regional Office in Kisumu before being escorted to the Kisumu Railways and Ports Police Station, where they were booked as investigations continue.
The arrests come just days after similar operations led to the apprehension of other traffic officers accused of extorting motorists on the Likoni–Lungalunga road.
In another recent case, four officers were detained along the Nairobi–Nyeri–Embu Highway following an undercover probe sparked by public complaints.
EACC noted that cases of bribery tend to increase during festive seasons when road travel peaks, as many Kenyans move across the country to mark Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Officers stationed along busy highways often take advantage of the surge in traffic to extort drivers over alleged offences such as speeding or carrying excess passengers.
The commission reaffirmed that it has intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting sectors vulnerable to corruption, particularly within essential public services.
EACC also urged members of the public to report corruption incidents through its official reporting channels as part of broader efforts to promote accountability and integrity within the police service.
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