The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified its nationwide war on corruption with the arrest of two traffic police officers accused of soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists during the festive season. The coordinated operations, carried out on 30th December 2025, targeted major highways in Murang’a County and Mtwapa, Kilifi County, areas known for heavy holiday traffic.
The arrests are part of a broader festive-season anti-bribery crackdown aimed at curbing corruption on Kenyan roads, protecting motorists, and restoring public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Festive Season Under Watch
Every year, the festive season sees a spike in travel across the country as Kenyans journey to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with family and friends. Unfortunately, it has also historically been a period associated with increased incidents of petty corruption, especially along busy highways where traffic officers are deployed to manage congestion and enforce road safety regulations.
Recognizing this trend, the EACC launched enhanced intelligence-led surveillance operations across the country, focusing on traffic police units stationed along major transport corridors. According to the Commission, the goal is to ensure that public officers serve citizens with integrity, professionalism, and accountability—regardless of the season.
Murang’a Operation: Complaints Trigger Surveillance
In Murang’a town, EACC officers arrested Police Constable Kelvin Mwangi, who is attached to the Murang’a Traffic Base, following a targeted operation along the Kenol–Murang’a Road—one of the busiest highways in the region.
The arrest came after the Commission received multiple complaints from members of the public alleging rampant bribery by traffic officers operating along the road. Motorists reportedly accused officers of stopping vehicles on flimsy grounds and demanding small cash payments in exchange for allowing them to proceed.
Acting on this information, EACC officers mounted a covert surveillance operation to observe the suspect’s conduct. Within a short period, investigators gathered sufficient evidence pointing to ongoing bribery activities.
Cash Recovered at the Scene
Upon arresting PC Kelvin Mwangi, EACC officers conducted a search which led to the recovery of Kes 6,450, found in denominations of Kes 50, 100, and 200. According to investigators, the small denominations strongly suggested that the money had been collected from motorists in small bribe payments over a short period.
Preliminary findings indicate that the amount may have been accumulated in just two hours, highlighting the scale and frequency of the alleged bribery activities.
Mwangi’s colleague, Police Constable Mathew Osike, who was also reportedly involved in the operation, managed to escape arrest. Investigations into his role are ongoing, and the Commission has indicated that efforts to trace and apprehend him will continue.
Suspect Processed and Released on Bail
Following his arrest, PC Kelvin Mwangi was escorted to the EACC Central Regional Offices for processing and recording of statements. He was later booked at Nyeri Police Station, where he was released on cash bail pending the conclusion of investigations.
The EACC has confirmed that once investigations are finalized, the file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review and possible prosecution.
Another Bribery Point Disrupted
During the same Murang’a operation, EACC officers also disrupted another suspected bribery collection point along the Kerugoya–Kutus Road near the Bekam area. As officers moved in, traffic police officers stationed at the location reportedly fled into nearby bushes, abandoning items believed to be official police attire.
While no arrests were made at that specific point, the Commission noted that the incident further reinforced public complaints about entrenched bribery networks along major roads. Investigations into the officers involved are ongoing.
Coast Region: Arrest Along Mombasa–Malindi Highway
In a separate but equally significant operation at the Coast, EACC officers arrested Police Corporal Haroun Mazera Chamutu, who is attached to the Mtwapa Traffic Base.
The arrest took place along the Mombasa–Malindi Highway, a key transport route connecting the Coast region and frequently used by tourists, commercial vehicles, and holiday travelers.
According to the EACC, the officer was allegedly soliciting bribes from motorists when officers swooped in and arrested him.
Larger Amount Recovered
A search conducted at the time of arrest led to the recovery of Kes 13,750 in various denominations from PC Haroun Mazera Chamutu. Investigators believe the cash was obtained through bribe collection from motorists stopped along the highway.
The suspect was escorted to the EACC Upper Coast Regional Office in Malindi, where he recorded a statement and underwent further processing. He is expected to face charges upon completion of investigations, subject to the DPP’s decision.
Nationwide Anti-Corruption Drive
The EACC says the Murang’a and Mtwapa arrests are not isolated incidents, but part of a nationwide crackdown on bribery and corruption, particularly within essential public services.
Traffic policing has been identified as one of the sectors most vulnerable to corruption due to constant interaction between officers and the public. The Commission has therefore scaled up intelligence gathering, undercover surveillance, and rapid response operations across the country.
According to the EACC, the festive season offers no immunity to corrupt officers, and enforcement efforts will continue into the New Year.
Message to Public Officers
The Commission has reiterated that corruption is a criminal offense, regardless of the amount involved. Even small bribes, often dismissed as “chai,” undermine public trust, increase the cost of living, and weaken institutions meant to serve citizens.
EACC officials have warned that officers found engaging in corrupt practices face criminal prosecution, loss of employment, and reputational damage, urging all public servants to uphold the values of integrity and professionalism.
Call to the Public: Speak Up
The EACC has also called on members of the public to actively report corruption, emphasizing that citizen cooperation is crucial in the fight against graft.
Motorists and members of the public are encouraged to use EACC reporting channels to report bribery, extortion, and abuse of office. The Commission assures whistleblowers of confidentiality and protection under the law.
A Strong Signal During the Holidays
As Kenyans continue to travel during the festive period, the latest arrests send a strong message: corruption will not be tolerated, even during peak holiday seasons.
With investigations ongoing and more operations expected, the EACC’s festive-season crackdown underscores a renewed commitment to clean up public service and ensure that Kenyan roads are policed with fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
This story will be updated as investigations continue.
