A pastor identified as Michael Asichi has raised concerns with the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) regarding his treatment by the police officers in Bungoma County.
According to Asichi despite him being a good Samaritan who helped a boda boda rider after an accident where the rider fell on his own, he found himself facing unexpected legal issues.
He assisted the injured rider by taking him to the hospital and then the pillion (a seat for a passenger behind a motorcyclist) to the police station out of kindness.
However, as he prepared to leave the station, a police officer informed him that he could not depart without paying Ksh 5,000 for a supposed vehicle inspection.
“He stopped helping and took the rider and pillion to the hospital then to the police to just of a big heart. As he was about to leave the station a police officer told him to wait since his vehicle required to undergo inspection,” MAK said in a statement.
Pastor Narrates He was Dragged to Court for Helping Boda Boda
At the same time, the pastor was given a notice to attend court (NTAC) on Monday, September 24 for careless driving.
Thereafter, Atichi left without his car and returned the following day to undergo the inspection in Kakamega County.
Adding to the controversies, the officials noted that there was no damage to his vehicle and questioned the need for the inspection.
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MAK stated that during the inspection, NTSA found no scratches or discrepancies and questioned the reasoning behind the inspection order.
MAK States that NTSA Found no Offences
In the NTSA report seen by The Kenya Times, the authority confirmed that there were no damages to the speedometer, engine system, gearbox, steering mechanism, front and rear axles, front suspension, and the car body.
Furthermore, the report indicated that the chassis, braking system, electrical system, road wheels, tyres, reflectors, and warning signs were all intact.
“No visible damages noted. No accident defects noted,” read part of the NTSA report.
As the court date approached, he was directed back to the police station to extend the date to September 30, rather than proceeding to court to present his account.
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Despite advice from MAK’s lawyer to take a plea, Pastor Asichi’s case has not been moved to court.
According to MAK, the pastor has expressed frustration at the continuous trips to the police station instead of receiving a fair hearing in court adding that he is being punished by police ultra vires.
“He complains and seeks quick justice as he suffers back-and-forth journeys to the Bungoma police station instead of the Court where he would give his account, and a fair determination made,” MAK reported.
Maraga Taskforce Reveals Deep Rot in Kenya Police
The incident follows a Maraga Taskforce report that revealed widespread corruption within the National Police Service (NPS).
This is deeply rooted in the traffic department affecting everyone from junior officers at roadblocks to senior executives.
The report criticized police leadership for failing to take action, highlighting that no officers had been dismissed for corruption, suggesting possible complicity among commanders.
To tackle these systemic issues, Maraga recommended disbanding the existing traffic department and creating a new Traffic Control Unit.
He advised that all personnel from the old unit should be excluded from reassignment to ensure a complete overhaul and restore public confidence.
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