EACC Arrests Two Traffic Officers in Meru as Bribery Probe Widens

The arrest of two traffic police officers in Meru over alleged bribery has renewed scrutiny of corruption risks on Kenya’s roads, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also reporting a separate case involving an official accused of seeking money to process a driving licence.

The two officers were arrested during a targeted surveillance operation along the Maua-Makutano Road near Kemu, Meru County, on Friday, October 16, 2026.

According to the EACC, investigators recovered KSh23,000 in different denominations from the officers during the operation.

The commission also impounded a Toyota Fielder parked beside the road. The vehicle was suspected to belong to one of the officers.

The suspects were taken to the EACC’s Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo for processing and statement recording as investigations continued.

The commission has not publicly established the officers’ guilt. The allegations will need to be tested through the relevant legal process.

Separate licensing case raises further questions

The Meru arrests came on the same day the EACC reported the arrest of a clerical officer attached to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) headquarters over an alleged bribe linked to a driving licence.

The commission said the official was arrested after a matatu driver complained that the officer had demanded KSh18,000 to facilitate the licence process.

Investigators allegedly arrested the officer while he was receiving KSh8,000, said to be part of the requested amount.

The suspect was taken to the EACC’s Integrity Centre for processing and later released on KSh50,000 cash bail as investigations continued, according to the commission. The licensing case is separate from the arrests in Meru.

Previous arrests on the Webuye-Kitale road

The latest operation also follows the arrest of three traffic police officers in July over allegations of demanding bribes from motorists at a roadblock along the Webuye-Kitale Road.

The EACC said the investigation followed complaints from members of the public, including public service vehicle operators and heavy commercial truck drivers.

The commission reported that targeted surveillance was conducted after the complaints, leading to the arrests.

The July case and Friday’s Meru operation involve different officers and locations. Neither should be taken as proof that all traffic officers engage in bribery.

What motorists can do

The cases highlight the importance of reporting suspected demands for illegal payments, particularly where motorists believe money is being requested to avoid a penalty or secure a public service.

Motorists should keep any relevant details, such as the location, time and circumstances of an alleged demand, and report the matter through official channels. They should avoid putting themselves at risk while gathering information.

The EACC has urged members of the public to report suspected corruption, saying public complaints can help investigators identify cases and build evidence.

For now, the two Meru officers remain subjects of an investigation. The next steps will depend on the evidence gathered and the decisions made by the relevant authorities.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.