This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
On November 20, 2019, detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in Kisumu arrested five traffic police officers for allegedly taking bribes along the Kisumu-Busia and Kisumu-Kakamega roads.
The officers were manning roadblocks at Mamboleo and near the Kisumu International Airport when the EACC detectives arrived to apprehend them. However, the officers defied orders to surrender, leading to a dramatic chase.
According to eyewitnesses, the officers fled with the EACC detectives and some residents in hot pursuit. One officer escaped, while another cocked his gun and fired several shots during the melee, injuring a female colleague.
"One of the police officers jumped into a ditch and broke his leg," said Joseph Opiyo, a matatu conductor who witnessed the scene.
The EACC officers ransacked a vehicle used by the traffic personnel before driving it to Mamboleo Police Station. The two injured officers were taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The arrests come after the EACC released a damning report rating the National Police Service third among the most corrupt entities. EACC Regional Deputy Director Aura Chibole confirmed the arrests, stating that the operation was planned after receiving several complaints from the public.
"One of their officers accidentally shot a female officer as he tried to escape. She has been taken to hospital for treatment," said Mr. Aura.
Regional Police Commander Vincent Makokha expressed support for the fight against corruption and ethics among public officers.
