Price list: 7 Kenya police services that require bribes – EACC
The National Police Service is facing increasing scrutiny over a corruption crisis that has infiltrated all levels of the force, resulting in rampant bribery. This alarming trend has prompted President William Ruto’s Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Mr Felix Koskei, to issue a stern warning to the police.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission data had previously shown that the police sector was notorious for bribery, with an astonishing 82.1 percent involvement. However, recent revelations indicate that the problem is worsening, affecting both men and women in uniform.
During a recent meeting with senior police officers to address this menace, Mr Koskei expressed concern about the mounting corruption allegations within the police service, emphasizing that the President was deeply dissatisfied with the situation.
The Head of Public Service revealed shocking statistics, stating that police officers are accepting daily bribes ranging from Ksh 972 to a staggering Ksh 15,396 while supposedly offering services to Kenyan citizens.
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For instance, individuals seeking P3 forms are allegedly forced to pay Ksh 15,396, and those under arrest are reportedly released on bail after parting with Ksh 13,187 in bribes to the police. Seeking a police abstract allegedly costs Ksh 12,891, while those trying to recover their impounded goods are required to pay Ksh 10,576.
People seeking to have their cases dismissed are allegedly asked to pay Ksh 10,476, and those in need of police protection are reportedly compelled to pay at least Ksh 4,442. Even those reporting a crime are allegedly solicited for bribes of Ksh 2,035 to facilitate the recording of their statement.
“We cannot continue this way and hope to become a prosperous country. Let me reiterate that the President has declared a relentless war against corruption. He is personally leading this battle with unwavering determination,” Mr. Koskei declared during the meeting.
The government has emphasized that its anti-corruption efforts are taking a new direction, with no one receiving protection for engaging in or abetting corruption.
“There will be no protection for officers involved in corruption. There will be no place to hide, and no sacred cows. Accountability will be enforced at the individual level.”
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome acknowledged that traffic police were at the forefront of corruption. He disclosed that he had been tempted on multiple occasions to accept bribes but had consistently refused, demonstrating the urgent need to combat this deeply entrenched issue within the force.
Also read: 3 police officer arrested while soliciting bribes from university students