Licensed to kill: How drivers buy impunity from 'rogue' officers

A traffic police officer inspecting vehicles along the Southern Bypass, Nairobi on January 2, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Armed with crumpled notes, drivers of public transport vehicles (PSVs) and long-distance vehicles buy impunity on roads, endangering the lives of innocent roads users.

Notes in denominations of Sh50, Sh100 or Sh200 are squeezed into the palms or pockets of traffic police officers. Sometimes they are tucked into driving licences or dropped on the ground for officers to pick up as the drivers zoom off.