A traffic police officer was arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Thursday, November 30, 2023, for allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists in Nakuru. The officer, identified as 50703 CPL Philip Kiptek, was caught red-handed with KES 900 in his possession, which he had collected from public service vehicles at a traffic stop opposite Ndururumo Boys Secondary School. He tried to flee the scene but was apprehended by EACC officers who had been monitoring his activities.
.
The EACC also seized a white Toyota Sienta, registered as KCU 142 Q, which was believed to be used by Kiptek and his accomplice, 79787 PC Zachariah Kaberia, who managed to escape after firing shots in the air. A search of the vehicle revealed KES 4,700 in various denominations, which were suspected to be proceeds of bribery. The vehicle was towed to the Nyahururu Police Station, where the two officers were booked.
The arrest was part of an ongoing operation dubbed "Operation Ondoa Hongo Barabarani", which was launched on December 24, 2023, to curb corruption on major roads and highways. The operation aims to prevent both traffic police officers and road users from engaging in the giving and receiving of bribes, which compromise road safety and law enforcement. According to EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak, the operation has exposed many cases of traffic violations and bribery, and has led to the arrest of several officers and motorists.
Mbarak said that the EACC is working closely with the office of the Inspector General to ensure that traffic police officers are restrained from carrying firearms unless it is necessary for their safety. He also urged the public to report any incidents of corruption on the roads to the EACC through its toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or its social media platforms. He warned that anyone found engaging in corruption will face the full force of the law. ¹²³⁴
