The National Police Service has warned police officers against erecting roadblocks and police checks anywhere without official approval.
This comes following numerous complaints of traffic officers collecting bribes from motorists.
In a circular after a meeting between Inspector General of police Hilary Mutyambai his deputy Edward Mbugua, regional commanders and county commanders in Nairobi, observed that traffic commanders had not taken actions against errant officers receiving bribes.
“Should complaints be raised by the public on bribes, detaining motor vehicles on the road for long hours and roadblocks investigations will be conducted to avoid victimisation. However, when an element of truth is established, stiff action will be taken against the individual errant officer, but whole sub-base will be disbanded,” read the circular issued to all county police commanders.
Now, all county police commanders will be directly responsible for close supervision of traffic management in their jurisdictions and also in ensuring that no motor vehicles are detained on the roads for long hours and that bribes are not taken from motorists.
He told the commanders to ensure close and maximum supervision on traffic management and the concerned base commanders.
“I will call a meeting next week to draw proper strategy and review our progress on this subject matter,” he said.
Many motorists have complained about traffic police harassing them and collecting bribes.
There have been viral videos online showing police officers taking bribes at the roadblocks.
Checkpoints and roadblocks on highways have also caused traffic.
Mutyambai had previously banned road blocks on highways, with the exception of mobile patrols and security operations, following complaints.