Fresh allegations of corruption have emerged against officers attached to Makongeni Police Station, with motorists claiming they are being forced to pay unofficial cash payments to secure the release of their vehicles.

According to a whistleblower who requested anonymity for fear of victimization, the alleged scheme has become so routine that motorists arriving at the station already know what is expected of them before they can leave with their vehicles.

The source claims that motorists whose vehicles are flagged down by traffic officers are directed to Makongeni Police Station, where they are allegedly required to part with KSh 2,000 regardless of the nature of the alleged traffic offence.

What has particularly alarmed the whistleblower is the assertion that no formal charge sheets are prepared and no official legal process is initiated in many of the cases.

Instead, motorists are allegedly informed that the matter can be resolved through a KSh 2,000 cash payment. Once the money is handed over, the vehicle keys are reportedly returned and the motorist is free to leave.

According to the whistleblower, the transactions are conducted openly and without any apparent attempt at secrecy.

"The officer openly tells motorists that every case is KSh 2,000. Cash is handed over, he pockets the money, and the vehicle keys are returned. No charge sheet is drawn and no official receipt is issued," the source alleged.

Even more concerning are claims that the alleged practice is taking place under the watch of senior officers at the station.

The whistleblower believes the operation is too organized and too frequent to escape the attention of supervisors, raising questions about whether the practice is being ignored or tolerated by those responsible for overseeing operations.

On the day of observation, the source says more than 16 vehicles passed through the station within approximately one hour. Drivers reportedly arrived, spent a short time at the traffic office, and left shortly afterward.

If the allegations are accurate, the amount of money allegedly being collected could run into tens of thousands of shillings daily.

The allegations come at a time when the National Police Service continues to face public scrutiny over claims of bribery and corruption on Kenyan roads. Motorists have long complained that some traffic enforcement operations are being used as opportunities to solicit unofficial payments rather than enforce the law.

Under Kenyan law, traffic offences are supposed to be handled through established legal procedures, including the issuance of charge sheets, court appearances where necessary, and the payment of fines through official government channels. Any demand for cash payments outside these procedures may constitute corruption and abuse of office.

The allegations have prompted calls for urgent intervention by oversight agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Internal Affairs Unit of the National Police Service.

Concerned citizens are urging investigators to conduct an independent operation at Makongeni Police Station to determine whether motorists are being subjected to illegal demands for money and whether public officers are benefiting personally from funds collected from members of the public.

Should the claims be substantiated, the matter would raise serious concerns about accountability within law enforcement and the protection of motorists from exploitation.

As pressure mounts for answers, attention now turns to the relevant authorities, who are being called upon to establish the truth behind the allegations and take appropriate action against any officers found to have engaged in corrupt practices.

For many motorists, the hope is that any investigation will help restore confidence in traffic enforcement and ensure that justice is administered through lawful procedures rather than unofficial payments.