EACC arrests three traffic officers in Sondu

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three(3) traffic police officers attached to Sondu Police Station for allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists along the busy Kisumu–Kisii Highway at Sondu.

The arrests were made on Saturday during a targeted surveillance operation prompted by repeated complaints from motorists and members of the public.

The officers--Inspector of Police (IP) Rachel Wangetha, Corporal Wilberforce Koffi, and Corporal Shadrack Nerima--were found allegedly demanding cash from road users without conducting lawful vehicle inspections or enforcing traffic regulations.

After their arrest, the suspects were initially processed at the EACC Central Nyanza Regional Office in Kisumu before being escorted to Kisumu Railways and Ports Police Station, where they were booked pending further investigations.

"The operation forms part of the Commission’s ongoing nationwide crackdown on bribery and corruption on major highways, particularly during the festive season," said a statement.

The Commission has been scaling up intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting essential public services and sectors that are prone to corruption with a view to promoting integrity and accountability in public service.

The Sondu arrests follow a similar anti-corruption operation conducted earlier along the Likoni–Lungalunga Road on Wednesday, December 24.

Two traffic police officers attached to the Diani Traffic Base were allegedly demanding bribes from motorists.

According to EACC, Police Constable Agnes Longoet and Police Constable Alphanus Anayo were caught in the act of soliciting cash from drivers without carrying out any lawful checks or enforcing traffic rules during the operation.

The arrests were made after motorists reported rampant extortion along the busy coastal highway.

The suspects were taken to the EACC Lower Coast Regional Office in Mombasa, where they recorded statements as investigations continue.