Haron Mwangi a traffic police officer attached to BuruBuru Police Station has been suspended after a video of him soliciting bribes from motorists surfaced online.
When announcing his dismissal, National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Resila Onyango said that Mwangi was seen in the video collecting bribes from six matatus while directing traffic at B Centre area in Umoja.
In a clip posted on TikTok, the uniformed traffic police officer is seen receiving something from drivers and conductors as matatus pass by him but the materials given to him are not clear from the clip.
“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,” said Ms. Onyango in a statement on Friday.
He further commended the efforts of the public for recording the whole incident saying it was a step to fighting corruption in the country.
“The National Police Service takes this opportunity to commend members of public and Members of the Press for their continued collaboration with NPS in the fight against corruption.” Read the statement.
Police Constable Haron Mwangi of Buruburu Police Station caught on Camera collecting ksh. 50 bribes while directing traffic at B Centre area in Umoja estate. Mwangi has been suspended from Traffic Police Unit with immediate effect and proceedings, for his dismissal are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/tYSpTSgIm0
— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) April 12, 2024
The Police Service assured the public that it will remain committed to its constitutional mandate of fighting corruption, striving for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline among members. They also noted that they will continue to uphold the rule of law and also promote accountability among their members.
According to the 2023 National Ethics and Corruption Survey, traffic police are among those mentioned to be top of the list to be the most corrupt.
The survey by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) shows that there is a likelihood that each time a service is sought in the traffic police department, one is likely to be asked for a bribe 1.45 times.