Lamu leaders led by Mkomani Ward Rep Yahya Shee have accused police officers involved in the crackdown of the contraband sugar of demanding for bribes from traders during the ongoing investigations.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Mr Shee noted: "Instead of conducting a genuine crackdown on contraband sugar and other illicit goods, they are now focusing on how they will enrich themselves by soliciting bribes from traders and locals. If they continue doing this, then illegal goods will never stop coming to Lamu. Some of the officers even go as far as begging for money from the traders."
According to MCAs, police are directing traders to give them bribes of between Ksh5,000 and Ksh10,000.
[caption caption="Mkomani Ward Rep Yahya Shee accuses police of soliciting bribes during the contraband sugar crackdown"]
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He further warned that the war on contraband sugar can never be won if the police turn the entire process into a "cash cow."
Mr Shee called on the government to quickly investigate the situation and have culpable officers prosecuted.
Addressing the issue, Omar Athman, a trader who spoke to Nation lamented that the police keep visiting their shops harassing them hence their decision to cease stocking sugar in their shops.
"If there is sugar on the shelf, they take it without even confirming whether it’s contraband or genuine sugar. You have to pay them or otherwise, they can make your life hell. So now I don’t sell sugar anymore," Athman mentioned.
However, Lamu County Police Commander Muchangi Kioi denied the allegations.
He stated that such "malicious" information is being spread by traders whose contraband sugar and other illicit items were seized by police.
Additionally, he called on those with proof of the allegations to submit them directly to his office for action since corruption is an offense punishable by law.
"I don’t think their complaints are genuine. I think those creating such lies are those involved in the contraband business but we shall stay focused and do our job and do it by the book. But if someone has the evidence, let them bring it to my attention for action because corruption is a serious offense," Kioi exclaimed.
[caption caption=" Lamu County Police Commander Muchangi Kioi during the gambling machines crackdown in the county"]
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