A police officer captured on video allegedly extorting bribes from public service vehicles has been suspended from the Traffic Police Unit.
In a statement released by the National Police Service of Kenya (NPS) on Friday, April 12, the officer was positively identified from the clips circulating on social media.
Attached to traffic within Buruburu Police Station, the officer's services were immediately withdrawn, following investigations into the allegations.
"The officer since been removed from the Traffic Police Unit immediately, and the same was recalled to Police Headquarters for further administrative action,” National Police noted.
Commending the members of the public for their efforts in the fight against corruption, NPS also urged Kenyans to report any law-breaking incidents by the servicemen.
Investigations and disciplinary proceedings into the incident are currently ongoing to determine further actions against the officer.
“The National Police Service remains committed to its Constitutional mandate of fighting corruption," NPS added.
"Striving for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline among its members; promoting accountability and transparency; and upholding the rule of law."
The video of the male traffic police receiving bribes from PSVs caused an uproar from Kenyans, who argued that the corruption added to recent accidents in the country.
"Those taking bribes to let go drivers without licences and unroadworthy vehicles is what is causing all these fatal accidents. It needs to stop," one argued.
The country has in recent past recorded 7,198 Kenyans have been involved in road accidents in the first three months of 2024.
In the first quarter, 1214 deaths resulted from the recorded accidents.
