The Kenya Transporters Association has expressed concern over an alleged surge in extortion in recent weeks, coinciding with an intensified crackdown on illicit goods and drugs along highways.
In a statement dated Saturday, March 16, the truck owners noted that some rogue officers were using the crackdown to extort them.
The investors in the transport sector acknowledged that some of their drivers were involved in ferrying goods that were not listed in the requisite documents of the vehicles promoting police arrest.
However, instead of following the law, the officers were alleged to have demanded to be given hefty bribes. The owners maintained that they had no problem with rogue drivers facing the law if they committed an offence.
"If the owner cannot pay immediately, and the truck reaches the station, the officers at the station take over the extortion. They
threaten media involvement and claim the truck will be detained until a lengthy investigation and court cases conclude.
"They also threaten truck forfeiture to the state. At this point, they demand a significant bribe to facilitate the release," read the statement in part.
Consequently, the business owners demanded that the government draft policies that will give guidelines on how impounded vehicles can be released.
The association explained that clear guidelines on the timelines will eliminate any avenues for corruption.
"The police or judiciary should issue and publish standardized procedures with timelines on what happens when a truck is caught carrying illegal goods. This will help transporters nationwide understand their rights and the legal process.
"Transporters need to be brave and refuse to be intimidated by these cartels. Do not pay any bribes, and insist on following the due process. This is the only way to stop this menace. It persists because we give in to the extortion," read the statement in part.
Police have in recent weeks intensified their fight on drugs, especially illicit brew and marijuana.
Cops have also been focusing on vehicles crossing the border given reports that some of the drugs are brought from other countries.
