This archive report was first published on 8 November 2019.
Kenya: Machakos Police Boss Vows to End Corruption ¶
Published on November 8, 2019
Machakos County Police Commander John Karanja has vowed to dismantle cartels taking bribes from public service vehicles and lorries ferrying sand. The police boss, who has been in office for a month, said he is determined to end corruption, land grabbing cases, and increased crime in the county.
According to Karanja, corrupt officers are fighting back after he stamped his authority and warned them against engaging in corruption. He said that those who are complaining are now 'feeling the heat' as they were used in getting bribes on the roads.
'Machakos County, especially in Mlolongo and Athi River, has a high rate of corruption and that is soon going to change,' said Karanja. He added that traffic officers are getting money from lorries ferrying sand and PSVs, which part with between Sh50 and Sh1000.
'The problem is the lorries and PSVs are the same ones operating in the routes and the officers have familiarised themselves with the operators hence it is easy to give bribes. I will dismantle the cartel,' vowed Karanja.
On transfers, Karanja said that some of the officers who were recently recalled were transferred without proper investigations into their cases. He also said that some officers are amassing doubtable wealth as they are living beyond their salaries.
'Things around here will change and if one is found indulging in unethical activities he or she will face the consequences including sacking,' Karanja added.
