
In a shocking incident that has shaken road safety norms and exposed deep corruption concerns, a traffic police officer allegedly jumped into a moving matatu, strangled the driver, and triggered a crash that injured multiple passengers on the Litein–Kericho route.
The drama unfolded when the matatu driver failed to stop for an unlawful bribe demand. As the vehicle accelerated to evade the officer, the enraged law enforcer reportedly leapt aboard and began choking the driver. Chaos ensued as the vehicle veered off-road and smashed into a tree, leaving the 14-seater vehicle mangled and terrified passengers injured.

The incident is drawing outrage from motorists and safety advocates alike, with the Motorists Association of Kenya condemning the act as a dangerous abuse of power rather than legitimate enforcement. This latest case highlights how corruption at traffic stops is not only an infringement on rights but a direct threat to lives on the road.
While the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has recently detained several police in the region for bribe-related offenses, critics argue this crash underscores the urgency for systemic reform. When extortion escalates to physical confrontation behind the wheel, the consequences can be deadly.
As the injured receive treatment, the nation demands accountability. Calls are mounting for the arrested or implicated officer—and any involved superiors—to face full legal consequences. This scandal should serve as a wake-up call: unchecked police misconduct on the roads is not just unlawful—it can be lethal.