Police officers sacked for blocking Uhuru’s motorcade while allegedly taking bribe
A traffic police officer at work. Two officers allegedly seen taking a bribe by President Uhuru Kenyatta have been sacked, Coast regional police boss Francis Wanjohi has said. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The officers, who were attached to Makupa Police Station, did not even recognise one of the President’s escort vehicles.
- Mr Wanjohi said discipline among police officers must be observed.
- President Kenyatta recounted his shock when he saw the two traffic police officers cause a traffic jam as they were allegedly taking a bribe from a motorist.
- Mr Kenyatta said the brazen conduct of the two officers summed up the frustrations that Kenyan motorists go through on the roads every day.
Two officers allegedly seen taking a bribe by President Uhuru Kenyatta have been sacked, Coast regional police boss Francis Wanjohi has said.
Mr Wanjohi said Constable Joel Atuti and Corporal Barnaba Rutto have also been sent home for blocking President Kenyatta’s motorcade while taking the bribe.
The police boss told the Nation that copies of Mr Atuti and Mr Rutto’s dismissal letters had been forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police and the National Police Service Commission for further action.
“They were sent home on Friday, three days after the incident but we have given them seven days to appeal. I will tomorrow (Monday) check if they have appealed,” said Mr Wanjohi.
He added that they had launched investigations into the bribe claims and will also involve the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
DIDN'T RECOGNISE PRESIDENT'S ESCORT CAR
Mr Wanjohi said the officers, who were attached to Makupa Police Station, did not even recognise one of the President’s escort vehicles when it stopped and its occupants asked them for directions.
“This is a warning to any other officer engaging in similar activities,” he said, adding that the officers blocked the presidential motorcade at Tudor.
On Saturday last week, President Kenyatta recounted his shock when he saw the two traffic police officers cause a traffic jam as they were allegedly taking a bribe from a motorist.
The President was on a working tour in the coastal region.
Mr Kenyatta said the brazen conduct of the two officers summed up the frustrations that Kenyan motorists go through on the roads every day.
He warned that the full force of the law would be applied on government officials caught in corrupt dealings.
Mr Wanjohi said discipline among police officers must be observed.
“We do not like to lose an officer but the discipline code must be adhered to,” said Mr Wanjohi.
