Nairobi Driver Shares How Standing Firm Against Bribery Led to Unexpected KSh5,000 Refund

A Nairobi motorist was surprised after a traffic police officer refunded his KSh 5,000 cash bail following his decision to follow the law rather than seek an unofficial deal to escape a traffic offence.

Darren Kirimi shared his experience in a Facebook post, explaining how his decision to stand by his principles led to an unexpected outcome.According to Kirimi, the incident happened on a Thursday when a traffic officer stopped him for allegedly changing lanes incorrectly at a roundabout.

He admitted that he had made a mistake, explaining that he was driving in the innermost lane and was supposed to complete a full turn before taking his exit.

He added that he had only practised the manoeuvre on a driving school board.

Kirimi asked the officer to take him to the nearest police station instead of trying to settle the matter privately.

At the station, his details were recorded, and he was asked to pay KSh 5,000 as cash bail.

He was also given a date to appear in court on Monday.

While preparing to withdraw the money, another officer reportedly suggested that he could speak to the arresting officer and reach a private agreement.

Kirimi understood the suggestion as an invitation to pay a bribe.

However, he said his Christian faith prevented him from taking that route. He paid the cash bail, collected his receipt and prepared for his court appearance.

On Monday morning, Kirimi received a phone call from a man who identified himself as the officer handling his case.He was informed that his file was not ready and was advised to visit the police station instead of going to court.

When he arrived, the officer explained the situation and remarked that he could have spoken to the arresting officer earlier.

Kirimi maintained that he had asked to be forgiven but had been refused.

He explained that he preferred to accept responsibility for his mistake rather than compromise his beliefs.

In an unexpected turn of events, the officer requested his cash bail receipt and returned the full KSh 5,000. Kirimi was then allowed to leave without further punishment.

Following the incident, Kirimi urged Kenyans to take personal responsibility in fighting corruption, arguing that the vice continues when people are willing to offer and accept bribes.

He encouraged citizens to reject corrupt dealings even when doing so is inconvenient.

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