Two Traffic Police Officers Arrested for Bribery on Likoni-Lungalunga Road
Two traffic police officers attached to the Diani Traffic Base were arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged bribery involving motorists along the Likoni-Lungalunga road. The incident marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to curb graft within the security services and restore trust in law enforcement on Kenya’s coastal expressways.
According to a statement from the EACC, investigations began after complaints of improper conduct were reported by motorists and verified through undercover operations. The officers, who have not yet been named publicly, are accused of demanding and receiving bribes from drivers and passengers in exchange for minimal traffic disruptions, documentation, or exemptions that should normally be handled through official procedures.
The Likoni-Lungalunga corridor is a busy stretch that handles a mix of local and through traffic. It’s a route frequently used by commuters, traders, and tourists traveling between Mombasa and neighboring counties. In recent years, authorities have prioritized anti-corruption measures along major road networks to ensure safe, fair, and transparent enforcement of traffic laws. The EACC’s intervention underscores the government’s commitment to rooting out unethical practices within critical public services.
EACC’s Role and Next Steps
The EACC, which is tasked with investigating, inhibiting, and preventing corruption, confirmed that the officers are in custody while investigations continue. “The Commission is dedicated to pursuing thousand-mile strides against corruption at all levels of public service,” said an EACC spokesperson. “People deserve professional and accountable policing, free from bribery and abuse of power.”
In cases like this, prosecutors assess evidence gathered during arrests, including any seized money, transaction records, or communications relevant to the alleged bribery scheme. If charged, the officers could face penalties under the Kenyan anti-corruption and traffic offences laws, which may include fines and imprisonment depending on the severity and duration of the misconduct.
Impact on Public Trust and Road Safety
Incidents of bribery by law enforcement officers can erode public trust and compromise road safety. When drivers believe that enforcement is inconsistent or financially motivated, compliance may wane, and traffic order can deteriorate. Advocates for reforms emphasize the importance of transparent traffic operations, robust internal disciplinary processes, and referral to independent oversight when abuse appears to occur. The Diani Traffic Base has previously undergone reviews of its internal procedures, with an emphasis on accountability and customer service for road users.
Public accountability measures have included reforms such as the use of body-worn cameras, standardized citation procedures, and clear channels for motorists to report grievances. The EACC’s arrest of the two officers fits within a broader strategy to deter corruption and to demonstrate that violations by individuals in uniform will be investigated and prosecuted.
What Motorists Should Do
Motorists are encouraged to report any suspected bribery or unethical behavior by traffic officers to the EACC or to the relevant police oversight bodies. In the meantime, drivers should insist on proper documentation and follow official procedures for traffic stops. Carrying valid licenses, vehicle registrations, and insurance documents remains essential, and requests for money beyond lawful penalties should be treated as a red flag requiring independent verification.
Law enforcement officials have stressed that the majority of officers serve with integrity and professionalism. The ongoing investigations into these two arrests are a reminder of the need for continued vigilance, robust oversight, and ongoing training to ensure traffic officers act in the public interest, not personal gain.
Closing Remarks
As the legal process unfolds, observers will watch how the case influences policy and practice within the Diani Traffic Base and across coastal enforcement agencies. The outcomes could shape future anti-corruption efforts, strengthen accountability, and reinforce the public’s confidence that bribery within traffic enforcement will not go unchecked.
