This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 24, 2020, police in Kenya made a significant crackdown on individuals attempting to bypass Covid-19 containment measures. A total of 64 people, including 16 drivers and 48 passengers, were arrested for allegedly trying to bribe security officers at the Blue Post roadblock in Thika, Kiambu County.
Four police officers tasked with enforcing the roadblock were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the bribery scheme.
According to Murang'a County Police Commander Josephat Kinyua, most of the vehicles were carrying passengers not involved in essential services, which is against the law.
"Today we have impounded 16 cars for trying to bribe our officers who man this roadblock in order to pass," said Kinyua.
The arrested individuals were taken to Thika Police Station for processing and will be arraigned in court on Thursday for flouting Covid-19 containment measures and attempted bribery.
As part of the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19, movement in and out of the Nairobi metropolitan area, Mombasa, and Mandera counties remains forbidden for non-essential service providers.
