Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered police officers to remove all roadblocks, latest by November 1.
Kindiki on Thursday, August 24, observed that the order is in line with an earlier directive issued by President William Ruto who observed that the the barricades had become conduits of corruption.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the President had expressed concerns that many motorists were losing millions as a result of the bribes they are forced to pay at roadblocks.
"The static roadblocks are less effective because people have found ways of circumventing them and evading police officers," Kindiki stated.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, his ministry was moving to mobile patrols and deployment of surveillance technologies in order to deal with security challenges in the country.
However, the roadblocks which are vital in the fight against terrorism will remain in place for the foreseable future.
He also ordered the officers who are operating on the major highways to remain strict but to be very courteous to motorists.
Kindiki acknowledged concerns which had been raised by motorists; including consistent harassment by police officers and exploitation of roadblocks by law enforcement officers for personal gain.
"There specific roadblocks where we have been told that police officers are treating motorists with a lot of respect. This is a report that we have received from elected leaders," Kindiki stated.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that there are a number of reasons why police officers might demand bribes at roadblocks. Some officers may do it simply because they are corrupt.
Others may do it because they need the extra money. Still others may do it because they feel that they are entitled to a bribe as a way of compensating them for the risks they take in their work.
Kindiki, however, warned that whatever the reason, the practice of police officers demanding bribes is illegal and harmful.
It undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the police and also contributes to corruption and impunity.
"We have strengthened the oversight of the police, so that there are more checks and balances in place to prevent corruption," Kindiki assured.
