Three Traffic Officers Arrested at Globe Cinema Roundabout Amidst Crackdown on Corruption by EACC
February 12, 2025
Nairobi – Authorities have intensified their crackdown on corrupt law enforcement officials, leading to the arrest of three traffic police officers at the Globe Cinema Roundabout. The operation follows the release of the latest Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) report, which identified the National Police Service (NPS) as one of Kenya’s most corruption-prone institutions.
The officers were apprehended by a joint team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and EACC, after multiple complaints from motorists regarding persistent bribery at the intersection. Reports indicate that the officers were caught red-handed extorting money from both private and public service vehicle (PSV) drivers.
The 2023/2024 EACC report highlighted that bribery accounted for 42% of all corruption cases in Kenya, with the NTSA, KeNHA, and the NPS featuring prominently in the list of institutions with rampant corruption, particularly within roadblocks and traffic enforcement units.
Commenting on the arrests, an EACC representative reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating corruption in law enforcement. “We are sending a strong message that officers abusing their positions for personal gain will face legal consequences. This is part of our broader strategy to restore integrity in public service,” the official stated.
For years, motorists passing through the Globe Cinema Roundabout have raised concerns about officers allegedly demanding bribes to allow passage. “It’s frustrating when you have all your documents in order, yet you’re still harassed for a bribe,” shared a disgruntled driver.
The arrested officers are currently in custody and will be presented in court, facing charges of bribery and misconduct. The EACC has assured the public that it will continue investigating corrupt practices in the police service, focusing on hotspots known for extortion and bribery.
This latest operation underscores the pressing need for comprehensive reforms in the National Police Service to curb systemic corruption and rebuild public trust in law enforcement agencies. The EACC has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report corruption cases to help sustain the fight against graft.
Public Response
The arrests have drawn varied reactions from the public, with many expressing cautious optimism about the impact of such crackdowns. “This is a step in the right direction, but we need to see sustained efforts to weed out corruption from the force,” said a Nairobi resident.
As the anti-corruption drive continues, focus now shifts to the judiciary to ensure that those implicated in corruption face justice. The big question remains: will this be a defining moment in eliminating bribery among traffic officers, or just another temporary crackdown?
