Robbery by traffic police officers is a norm all over the whole country

For a long time, bribery has become rampant amongst Kenyan traffic police officers. The rate of corruption activities among the traffic officers, and road users, on our roads is overwhelming.

Five traffic police officers were recently caught forcefully taking money from motorists in Mumias, a town in Kakamega County.

The question that lingers on the mind of many remains; are these traffic officers sent by their bosses with specific daily targets, or do they do it on their own? 

Police officers extorting money from drivers
Photo| Courtesy 

Corruption has played a major role in alleviating rates of negligence and disregard to road safety regulations. The result, lost lives and maimed victims.

Kenyans' perception of traffic bribery as a petty offence is also to be blamed. Many are of the view that bribery is inferior to other forms of corruption.

Consequently, the level of ignorance displayed by road users has plummeted.

Events that transpired in Kakamega County sparked a lot of reactions among citizens. The locals stated that bribery has been a norm as the officers take money every day without fear. 

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), roads in West Pokot, Baringo, and Mombasa are among the counties experiencing high rates of bribery.

A police officer on duty.
Photo|Courtesy 

Citizens have congratulated the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), for a good job in arresting the corrupt officers. 

We need a country of order. If those who are supposed to bring order are the ones breaking it, then we are heading in the wrong direction as a country.

The government should check this and come up with a solution that will curb this plague of bribery before we lose many more Kenyans through accidents.