Senior Traffic Officers Under Investigation for Bribery and Extortion in Nairobi

Police are investigating allegations of bribery and extortion involving two senior traffic officers in Nairobi.

The officers under scrutiny are Joseph Chirchir, the Nairobi County Traffic Commandant, and a senior female officer accused of collecting bribes on his behalf.

Allegations Against the Officers

• Sources indicate the female officer has been using a WhatsApp group to solicit money from traffic police officers in Nairobi.
• These funds are allegedly deposited into her M-Pesa and bank accounts before being transferred to Chirchir.
• The bribes are linked to extortion targeting Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and traffic offenders.

Police Raids and Investigation

• On Friday, February 21, 2025, searches were conducted at the residences of both officers in Nairobi and Baringo Counties.
• Investigators are looking into the extent of corruption within the Traffic Department.
• The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) confirmed that Chirchir was released on police bond, but his seized safe remains under scrutiny.

Complaints from Junior Officers

• Junior officers have previously complained that Chirchir demanded bribes and forced them to contribute money for retirement parties.
• Reports suggest Chirchir used a phone number registered under another person’s identity to collect bribes.
• He allegedly maintained a bank account specifically for depositing the collected bribes.

Connection to Embakasi Traffic Officer’s Death

• The investigation comes just days after the killing of Embakasi traffic base officer Obala Wasiaya.
• Wasiaya was on duty when President William Ruto’s motorcade passed through the area.
• The driver of the Subaru (KDP 399V) involved in the incident was arrested, but police sources suggest powerful figures are interfering with the case.
• Colleagues say Wasiaya was supposed to bury his younger brother and uncle before his untimely death.

This investigation highlights the deep-rooted corruption within the Traffic Department. Authorities face increasing pressure to hold those responsible accountable and restore public trust in law enforcement.