There was drama at Globe Roundabout in Nairobi on Tuesday, January 14, after a police officer was arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe and assaulting a fellow officer.
In a police report obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the officer, who is a Deputy Officer Commanding Station at Mavindini Police Station in Makueni County, allegedly attempted to coerce a motorist into paying a bribe.
The motorist, driving a Toyota Axio, was stopped by the officer at around 10:00 am.
Dressed in full police uniform, the officer accused the motorist of obstructing traffic and proceeded to enter her car.
Along the way, the officer allegedly demanded a KSh 15,000 bribe to secure the lady's release. Amid the mild drama, passers-by alerted another officer on duty, who intercepted the vehicle along Slip Road.
The situation quickly escalated, with the rogue officer becoming aggressive, leading to a scuffle. After intervention from other officers and some members of the public, an arrest was made.
A further investigation into the officer's misconduct revealed that he had self-deployed at Globe Roundabout to perform traffic duties.
Interestingly, this was the second time the senior police officer had found himself in trouble with the law over similar crimes.
The officer, attached to Mavindini Police Station in Kathonzweni sub-county, was arrested in October 2024 along Bunyala Road under similar circumstances.
As was the case at Globe Roundabout, the officer was in full uniform directing traffic in Nairobi, which contravened the National Police Service Act.
According to the Act, it is illegal for a traffic police officer to perform traffic duties while on leave, either at their home station or at a different station.
Additionally, the officer also violated other police laws by working in the traffic police section outside his designated area.