the Kariobangi Roundabout in Nairobi has become a focal point for alleged police misconduct, with reports indicating that certain officers are engaging in corrupt practices that target both motorists and pedestrians.
These officers are accused of indiscriminately arresting individuals, from boda boda riders to youths with dreadlocks and those carrying backpacks, under dubious pretenses.
Such actions have led to widespread concern among Nairobi residents, who feel vulnerable to these arbitrary arrests and subsequent demands for bribes.
One particularly troubling tactic employed by these rogue officers involves stopping individuals carrying laptops and demanding proof of ownership.
Failure to produce a receipt often results in the individual being accused of theft, with officers allegedly demanding bribes of up to Ksh10,000 to avoid further legal complications. This approach not only intimidates innocent citizens but also undermines trust in law enforcement agencies.
The situation escalated when a concerned citizen captured a video showing an officer harassing a rider at the Kariobangi Roundabout, accusing him of obstruction and causing a traffic jam.
The video, which quickly went viral, shed light on the aggressive and unjust tactics employed by some officers in the area.
In response to such incidents, netizens have been vocal in their demands for authorities to take decisive action against these rogue elements within the police force.
This issue is not isolated to the Kariobangi area. In February 2025, three police officers from the Central Police Station were arrested at the Globe Cinema Roundabout for collecting bribes amounting to Ksh48,250 within a span of just two hours.
The officers had been extorting money from motorists under the guise of enforcing traffic laws. This incident highlights the pervasive nature of corruption within certain segments of the traffic police department.
Further compounding the problem, allegations have emerged against senior traffic police officers in Nairobi.
In December 2024, junior officers accused Nairobi County Traffic Commander Joseph Chirchir of demanding bribes and coercing them into making financial contributions for events such as retirement parties.
These claims suggest that corruption may be entrenched at various levels within the police hierarchy, making it even more challenging to address.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been actively involved in addressing these issues. In addition to the arrests at the Globe Cinema Roundabout, the EACC has been urged to investigate stations like Buruburu Police Station over allegations of massive corruption and bribery.
Traffic officers from this station have been accused of exploiting motorists for bribes, enabling them to afford luxurious lifestyles.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the National Police Service to restore public trust and ensure that law enforcement officers uphold the principles of integrity and justice.
— CITY DIGEST. (@city_digest) February 25, 2025
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