Stop arming traffic police, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo told

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) wants Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to re-examine the arming of traffic officers.

EACC argues that by arming the officers, the force is being militarised indirectly. Traffic personnel along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway are armed.

The authority's concerns come after 10 traffic officers were arrested on the busy highway by the EACC detectives while taking bribes on October 30.

In a letter to Mr Kimaiyo, EACC Chief Executive Officer Halakhe Waqo complained that the officers were collecting bribes while fully armed.

"It is our opinion that the militarisation of traffic regulations enforcement is uncalled for and unnecessary and we request that you intervene and reverse this dangerous trend," said Mr Waqo in a letter dated November 26.

Waqo added the officers on duty on various spots along the highway are accompanied by at least one or two armed sentries in possession of large rifles, a matter that has raised serious concerns particularly coming soon after the arrests.

The letter gives an indication that EACC officials are afraid of being shot in case they try to arrest any of the personnel on claims of taking bribes.

It is understood some police officers are not happy with the swoops.