This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
On July 10, 2020, the Kenya Police Service issued a directive to remove roadblocks from major roads in the city, citing corruption and extortion by traffic officers.
According to a communication from Deputy Inspector General of Police Edward Mbugua, most roadblocks had been turned into toll stations, where officers were engaging in corrupt practices.
‘It is not rocket science to know the motive (behind the roadblocks). It’s simply to engage in corrupt practices for the commanders and the deployed (officers) benefit,’ Mr Mbugua said.
Instead of roadblocks, Mr Mbugua recommended that officers should be patrolling highways and not being stationed in one place.
Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai had previously ordered that roadblocks should not be mounted on Kenyan roads, and that traffic officers should be working under the supervision of the OCS, not base commanders.
