NPS issues statement on officer caught on camera collecting bribe

A traffic police officer attached to Buruburu Police Station has been suspended following a damning video that surfaced on social media, capturing the officer allegedly collecting bribes from public service vehicles.

In a statement shared by the National Police Service (NPS) on Friday, April 12th, the officer in question has been identified as No. 63151 PC Haron Mwangi, attached to the Traffic Department of BuruBuru Police Station.

Effective immediately, Mwangi has been suspended from his duties within the Traffic Police Unit.

NPS said that proceedings for his dismissal are currently underway.

“Please be informed that the National Police Service has positively identified the Traffic Police Officer seen in the video clip circulating on social media, while allegedly collecting bribes from public service vehicles,” the statement read.

Adding;

“The Officer, No. 63151 PC Haron Mwangi, attached to Traffic within Buruburu Police Station has been suspended from Traffic Police Unit with immediate effect, and proceedings for his dismissal are ongoing. The National Police Service takes this opportunity to commend members of the public and Members of the Press for their continued collaboration with NPS in the fight against corruption.”

“The National Police Service remains committed to its constitutional mandate of fighting corruption; striving for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline among its members; promoting accountability and transparency; and upholding the rule of law,” the statement continued.

A TikTok video went viral showing a traffic police officer in uniform interacting with drivers and conductors as matatus passed by.

CLIP OF TRAFFIC POLICE OFFICER ALLEGEDLY COLLECTING BRIBES FROM MOTORISTS

Please be informed that the National Police Service has positively identified the Traffic Police Officer seen in the video clip circulating on social media, while allegedly collecting bribes from public

— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) April 12, 2024

4 traffic officers arrested for bribery

In October 2023, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) apprehended four officers stationed along the Thika-Garissa highway, catching them in the act with Ksh12,000 obtained as a bribe at a roadblock.

This followed numerous complaints from drivers utilizing the route, alleging that the officers stationed at the roadblock were using it as an opportunity to solicit bribes from any motorist they deemed to have committed a traffic violation.

The officers had been captured on camera accepting bribes on multiple occasions from motorists who were stopped at the roadblock, leading to their arrest.