A police inspector in Nairobi’s South B area has defended police officers who take bribes from bar owners, arguing that they do so due to pressure from the members of the public.
The inspector acknowledged that corruption exists but noted that the police do not actively demand bribes from civilians, and that it is the civilians who willingly give out bribes to evade arrest.
“Yes, I know that it is true that police take bribes, that is a blatant truth I cannot deny, but I want to assure the public that all officers that participate in the act of taking bribes have their names written down,” said the officer.
“I’m not encouraging corruption in any way but according to what I have heard, no police officer actively demands bribes from civilians.”
MCA Chege condemns bribe taking in the area
The event was also attended by Waithera Chege, area MCA, who condemned the officer’s practice of taking bribes. She also questioned why police from Industrial area were reportedly seen taking bribes in the area.
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“Mr. deputy OCS I want to start with you and your office and the things I’m about to mention here are things I have been told by business owners in the area.”
“There are police from Industrial police station who come to collect bribes from every bar in the area, pocketing Ksh 100 every day. I hope you have taken note because I will follow it up with your office,” said the MCA.
The Deputy OCS responds to the MCA’s inquiry
In response to the MCA’s inquiry the police Inspector highlighted the challenges faced by officers in his station based in South B.
He explained that the South B police station lacks essential resources needed to combat crime in the area and that they rely on assistance from officers based in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
“Madam MCA in response to your question on why industrial area is seen in the area frequently, I want to state that as South B police station there are things we lack, and we rely on assistance from Industrial Area Police station.”
“One of the things being a police car, madam that is a very big problem we have in this place, we also don’t have a cell facility so when we make arrests, we request for a vehicle to transport them to Industrial Area,” expressed the Inspector.
He further explained that the vehicle which can be preoccupied at times may take hours to reach their station and it is during this time that arrested individuals usually try to persuade the officers to accept bribes.
“We stay with them at the station then suddenly you hear someone pleading with you saying Oh OCS help me, now I ask the crowd why is it that we talk with you guys then you come and report us to the madam MCA saying you have been asked for bribes, yet it is you who started this conversation,” he explained.
Police Corruption in Kenya
Police corruption remains a significant issue in Kenya, with several cases reported every year.
A high-ranking police officer in Nairobi was arrested last year in November on allegations of soliciting a bribe of Ksh5,000 to secure the release of four suspects detained for drunkenness and disorderly conduct.
In another incident, two police officers were arrested for demanding a Ksh100,000 bribe from a complainant in October last year.
Also Read: Police Inspector Arrested Over Motivation Fee
Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) apprehended the officers following a complaint.
These cases highlight the ongoing challenge of addressing police corruption in Kenya, which can have serious consequences for public trust and security.
The EACC has intensified its efforts to crack down on corrupt individuals within the public service and other departments across the country.
