EACC Calls for Traffic Police Unit Disbandment over Widespread Corruption

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recommended disbanding the current traffic police unit and implementing periodic rotation of officers to tackle entrenched bribery and extortion within the National Police Service (NPS)

An audit conducted between February and June 2025 revealed the traffic department as the most compromised, with illegal collections reportedly channelled up the chain of command. Some officers were found fabricating charges against operators who refused to pay

The report shows traffic officers routinely extort Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), matatu SACCOs, and boda boda riders, often under directives from senior officers. “For boda boda and matatu SACCOs, they collect protection fees and if you don’t give, they fabricate charges against you,” said EACC Director of Preventive Services Vincent Okongo

EACC Secretary and CEO Abdi Mohamud described the report as a “bold statement” aimed at restoring public trust and strengthening governance systems, praising Inspector General Douglas Kanja for cooperating during the audit

The audit examined policies and practices across NPS departments, highlighting irregularities in recruitment, transfers, disciplinary procedures, and non-compliance with the NPS Act. Other issues included inconsistent bail management, poor detention sanitation, politically influenced transfers, and weak oversight mechanisms

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To address these challenges, EACC recommended full implementation of the NPS Act, development of a corruption prevention framework, automation of recruitment and cash bail systems, regular audits, sting operations, and adoption of technology such as body-worn cameras

EACC Chairperson David Oginde urged that the report guide a renewed commitment to accountability, while IG Kanja confirmed the service will act on the findings and hold culpable officers accountable. An implementation matrix is expected within 30 days to monitor enforcement of the recommendations

Writer : Mweru Mbugua