Traffic police section is lucratively corrupt
A traffic policeman (left) along the Mombasa-Malindi highway in 2014. PHOTO | GEORGE KIKAMI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- There have been operational changes and a much publicised vetting process but by and large the National Police Service Commission has only changed in name but not in culture.
- Police reform has failed miserably despite the time and money that the NPSC has invested in the process.
Last week, the Independent Police Oversight Authority feted 95 police officers for outstanding performances in the police service. Those honoured were recognised for their contribution to human rights, courage and professionalism. Fourteen officers who died in the line of duty in 2016 were also posthumously awarded.
At a time when public confidence in the police is lacking, it is still necessary to recognise those who maintain high standards and go the extra mile in the line of duty. Yet rewarding a handful of officers for outstanding service should not mislead us into thinking that the police service as a whole has been transformed. There have been operational changes and a much publicised vetting process but by and large the National Police Service Commission has only changed in name but not in culture. Police reform has failed miserably despite the time and money that the NPSC has invested in the process. In particular, the traffic police section is as lucratively corrupt as it has ever been.
An experience I had this week just confirms that view. A Mombasa inspectorate officer halted my vehicle and others in the middle of a busy crossroads in Kisauni. We had to instantly decide to either reverse and smack into other cars or proceed to safety five metres ahead and allow the free flow of traffic. Wisely, we all chose the latter but the enthusiastic officer singled me out and claimed I disobeyed his orders. He then enlisted a traffic police officer in what looked like a well-rehearsed trap and without warning both entered my vehicle announcing that we were going to the nearest police station.
TRAFFIC ACT
I ordered them out as the Traffic Act states that for a minor offence one is just notified to appear in court. Shocked by my knowledge of the law, they alighted and attempted to retain my licence. After further exchanges they insisted that I go and see the "Mkubwa" in Mishomoroni in the company of a female officer. On route I advised her to relay the message that I was ready to be booked but no money would exchange hands. It took another hour for the Inspector to release me without charge or payment. Yet he didn’t suffer too much as I witnessed three licences passed over by other detainees with notes inserted.
Mombasa traffic police are notorious. There is a 24-hour checkpoint on either side of Nyali Bridge. Muhuri has consistently campaigned for its removal as it is not gazetted according to the law. Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa has called for its removal claiming it is an Automated Teller Machine for Police. In the light of last week’s global events, we should rename it RansomCheckPoint. Arabs, Indians and Caucasians tell horrific stories of extortion both at Nyali and Makupa checkpoints, while matatus routinely drop off payment without stopping.
Ipoa opened its Mombasa office this week. Their in-tray includes extra-judicial killings and disappearances, but they must address the rot in traffic police. The country has just invested huge sums in surveillance equipment for the police. Some of it should be deployed to monitor the police themselves if we want to witness real change in its performance.
Twitter: GabrielDolan1
