In a recent incident highlighting the persistent issue of police misconduct in Kenya, a traffic police officer was confronted by passengers after allegedly demanding a bribe from a matatu driver.
The situation escalated when the officer, upon the driver’s refusal to pay, broke the vehicle’s windscreen.
This act of aggression prompted passengers to retaliate, leading to a physical altercation where the officer was beaten by the aggrieved commuters.
This event is not isolated; it underscores a broader pattern of corruption within the Kenyan traffic police force.
Reports indicate that officers have adapted their bribery methods over time, moving from direct cash transactions to utilizing mobile money platforms and even collecting lump sums from matatu saccos.
Such practices have become deeply entrenched, with some officers allegedly employing intermediaries to collect bribes on their behalf, thereby attempting to evade detection and accountability.
The public’s reaction to these incidents reflects a growing frustration with systemic corruption and abuse of power.
Citizens have increasingly taken matters into their own hands, as seen in the Embakasi incident where an officer soliciting bribes was arrested by furious citizens.
These occurrences have intensified calls for comprehensive police reforms, aiming to enhance accountability and restore public trust in law enforcement agencies.
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