By Joel Clinton
Tension is rising along the busy Busia-Kisumu highway after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested five traffic officers accused of extorting motorists. The officers were taken into custody near Busia town and later processed at the Western Regional Offices. This marks one of the most significant crackdowns on alleged road corruption in recent months.
For years, motorists and residents living along the route have raised concerns about the behavior of certain traffic officers who oversee narrow and accident-prone sections of the road. Frequent users of the highway report that some officers deliberately position themselves in dangerous spots, forcing drivers to make sudden stops that often lead to near collisions. Several minor accidents and close calls have been reported, yet little has been done despite repeated public complaints.
Local drivers share stories of harassment, intimidation, and demands for money. This has fueled growing frustration among commuters who rely on the highway daily. Residents argue that instead of improving safety, the officers’ actions have increased traffic risks and placed extra financial strain on motorists already facing tough economic times.
The EACC arrests have been seen as a long-awaited move toward accountability. Community members hope this operation will send a strong message to officers who misuse their power and compromise public safety. However, they stress that this should not be a one-time action.
“Kisumu residents and motorists are tired. We’ve complained for months, even years. We want real change, not temporary headlines,” said one boda boda operator who uses the route daily.
Stakeholders now urge the National Police Service, NTSA, and county leadership to take charge and reorganize traffic operations along the Busia-Kisumu highway. They stress the importance of proper monitoring, officer rotation, and enforcement practices that prioritize road safety over harassment.
As investigations continue, residents remain cautiously optimistic. They hope the arrests will lead to a broader cleanup of traffic operations in the region, restore trust between motorists and law enforcers, and finally bring order to a highway long plagued by misconduct and preventable accidents.
