This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
December 5, 2019, marked a significant day in the fight against corruption in the Kenyan police service. The National Police Service made a bold move by quashing the Alcoblow tests racket that had been in operation for years.
The decision came after President Kenyatta ordered the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) off the roads and handed the responsibility back to the traffic police. However, some senior officers saw an opportunity to enrich themselves through the tests.
It soon became evident that the tests were not serving their intended purpose. Instead, they had become a cash cow for corrupt officers. Roadblocks were mounted along major roads in Nairobi and other towns at night, mostly during weekends, and hundreds of motorists were arrested. However, only a handful of the errant drivers were ever produced in court.
Motorists who were arrested were forced to pay bribes of up to Sh20,000 and an extra Sh10,000 in car towing charges to avoid the shame of being locked up and arraigned. The Sh2 million collected every night was a conservative estimate.
The investigation leading to the withdrawal of the extortionists from the roads is a significant step in fighting corruption in the police service. It's possible to get drunk drivers off the roads without subjecting every motorist to humiliating drink tests.
Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has emphasized the need to use roadblocks sparingly and only if authorized by regional police bosses. The extortionists within the police service must be pursued and brought to book.
