EACC: Arrests Kennedy Monyo Waweru at Isinya Weighbridge for Bribery

• Corporal Kennedy Monyo Waweru, a KeNHA officer at the Isinya Weighbridge, was arrested by the EACC on October 5 for allegedly demanding and receiving a Sh60,000 bribe.
• The bribe was reportedly solicited to reduce a traffic charge from evading a weighbridge to failing to stop, following a complaint lodged on October 2.
• This incident highlights longstanding corruption concerns at Kenyan weighbridges, which are critical for enforcing axle-load limits and road safety.
• The EACC has a history of investigating similar allegations at various weighbridges, including Mlolongo, Mariakani, Mtwapa, Webuye, and Malava.
• The commission continues active surveillance and enforcement, urging public reporting to aid in detecting and investigating corruption.

The arrest of Corporal Waweru highlights persistent issues of corruption at weighbridges across Kenya.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) recently apprehended Corporal Kennedy Monyo Waweru, an officer attached to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) at the Isinya Weighbridge. The arrest, which occurred on Monday, October 5, followed an intensive operation by EACC investigators. Corporal Waweru stands accused of demanding and subsequently receiving a bribe of Sh60,000 from a motorist.

This enforcement action by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Kenya stemmed from a complaint filed three days earlier, on October 2. The motorist alleged that Corporal Waweru had solicited the Sh60,000 payment to manipulate the traffic charge they would face. Specifically, the officer purportedly offered to reduce the charge from evading a weighbridge, which was initially under consideration, to the less severe offense of failing to stop. Following the complaint, EACC investigators initiated inquiries and proceeded with the arrest after the alleged bribe money was received.

Following his apprehension, Corporal Kennedy Monyo Waweru EACC was transported to Kilimani Police Station for processing. Investigators are currently finalizing their inquiry into the matter. The case is slated to advance through the subsequent stages of the criminal justice system, underscoring the EACC's active stance on Kenya weighbridge corruption enforcement.

The arrest of Corporal Waweru highlights persistent issues of corruption at weighbridges across Kenya. These critical infrastructure points are designed to monitor the weight of heavy commercial vehicles and enforce strict axle-load limits, which are vital for preventing premature road damage and enhancing overall road safety. However, these facilities have long been a focal point for allegations of illicit activities, where enforcement personnel reportedly leverage their authority over commercial transport to solicit payments.

Historically, numerous investigations have brought to light instances where truck operators and motorists were allegedly compelled to pay bribes to circumvent enforcement actions related to overloading or other traffic infractions. The EACC has previously documented a case involving officers at the Mlolongo Weighbridge, who were investigated for allegedly demanding funds from truck drivers in exchange for overlooking traffic offenses. Further illustrating this pattern, a 2020 court judgment detailed allegations that two police officers sought payments ranging from Sh1,500 to Sh10,000 from truck drivers to refrain from enforcing traffic regulations.

Beyond these specific incidents, the anti-graft agency has also probed claims of collusion at the Mariakani facility, where police officers and private weighbridge employees were accused of working together to extract bribes from overloaded trucks, allowing them to pass without adherence to axle-load regulations. Another EACC inquiry revealed that an employee of SGS Kenya at the Mtwapa Weighbridge allegedly requested Sh30,000 to facilitate the release of a detained, overloaded truck. Negotiations reportedly led to a payment of Sh22,000, with the case subsequently referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The commission has also reported investigations into allegations that employees at the Webuye and Malava weighbridges accepted money from transport companies, sometimes via nearby M-Pesa outlets, to permit trucks to bypass standard weighing procedures.

The recent EACC arrests Kennedy Monyo Waweru Isinya weighbridge underscores the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Kenya's sustained efforts to combat graft within law enforcement. The EACC has broadened its focus beyond weighbridges, conducting surveillance operations targeting traffic officers along major routes such as the Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret highway. These operations were initiated in response to persistent complaints from motorists regarding demands for bribes.

A 2025 Kenya Gazette report further detailed the commission's proactive approach, noting surveillance conducted around the Salgaa traffic checkpoint. During this operation, officers were reportedly recorded receiving money, which was believed to be bribes from motorists. This led to the arrest of five officers. However, the EACC later stated that the funds recovered from these individuals could not be definitively linked to corrupt conduct, and the case was subsequently referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration of administrative action rather than criminal prosecution.

The EACC consistently emphasizes the crucial role of public participation in its anti-corruption mandate. The agency actively encourages citizens to report any suspected instances of bribery or corruption, affirming that information provided by the public remains indispensable for the effective detection and investigation of graft across the nation. This ongoing commitment signals a robust enforcement environment for those involved in or affected by Kenya weighbridge corruption enforcement.

This incident signals the EACC's ongoing and active enforcement against corruption within law enforcement, particularly at weighbridges. Lawyers advising transport and logistics companies should ensure their clients have robust anti-bribery compliance programs and are aware of the heightened risk of EACC investigations and potential prosecution for both officers and those offering bribes.

Source: Original reporting via Kenyan media