A rogue police officer posing as a traffic cop was arrested on Thursday morning while allegedly attempting to extort money from a businessman in Nairobi’s Muthaiga area.
Police said the suspect had earlier extorted $300 (Sh38,700) and Sh9,000 from an expatriate in the Karen area.
Headquarters described the incident as isolated, adding that investigations are ongoing and appropriate action will be taken.
How the Incident Unfolded
The complainant, a former chairman of a blue-chip company and a resident of Muthaiga, reported that the incident occurred at around 10.00 am as he drove home.
He was allegedly stopped by a man dressed in a khaki police uniform bearing two military-pattern stars on the shoulder badge, a white cap, reflective jacket, and carrying a notebook.
The suspect reportedly accused him of driving an unroadworthy vehicle — citing a dented boot — and claimed the offence carried a court fine of Sh350,000.
The businessman was then directed to drive towards Park Road in Pangani, where they stopped.
At that point, the suspect allegedly demanded Sh50,000 to “facilitate” his release without being taken to court.
Arrest in Pangani
Sensing foul play, the businessman raised an alarm. Traffic officers on duty along Park Road responded and escorted both the complainant and the suspect to Pangani Police Station.
At the station, the suspect identified himself as an Inspector of Police attached to CIPU Siaya County headquarters. It was established he had travelled to Nairobi and acquired traffic police uniform, which he used to carry out the alleged extortion scheme.
Further inquiries revealed he may have extorted several other unsuspecting motorists.
The case was formally recorded, and the suspect was handed over to officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Pangani for further interrogation.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the total number of victims linked to the suspect.
