Nairobi: Drama as Police Officer Receives KSh 5,000 From a Motorist Before Returning It All

A Nairobi motorist was left amazed after a police officer returned his KSh 5,000 cash bail following his decision to follow the law rather than attempt to settle a traffic case through an unofficial agreement.

Darren Kirimi recounted the incident in a Facebook post, explaining how his choice to remain honest despite the situation led to an unexpected outcome.According to Kirimi, the incident occurred on a Thursday when a traffic officer stopped him for allegedly making an incorrect lane change at a roundabout.

He admitted that he had made a driving mistake, explaining that he was in the innermost lane and was required to complete a full turn before exiting.

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

Instead of looking for a private arrangement, Kirimi requested to be taken to the nearest police station.

At the station, officers recorded his details and instructed him to pay KSh 5,000 as cash bail.

He was subsequently given a Monday date to appear in court.

As he prepared to withdraw the money, another officer reportedly suggested that he could approach the arresting officer and find an informal way to resolve the matter.Kirimi took the suggestion as a possible attempt to encourage him to pay a bribe.

However, he explained that his Christian faith would not permit him to engage in such dealings.

He paid the required amount, obtained his receipt and prepared to attend court as instructed.

On Monday morning, Kirimi received a call from a man who identified himself as the officer handling his case.

The officer informed him that his file was not ready and asked him to report to the police station instead of proceeding to court.

Upon arrival, the officer explained the situation and remarked that Kirimi could have spoken to the arresting officer earlier.

Kirimi maintained that he had asked the traffic officer to forgive him but had been unsuccessful.

He said he preferred to accept responsibility for his mistake rather than act against his beliefs.

In an unexpected development, the officer requested his cash bail receipt and refunded the entire KSh 5,000.

Kirimi was then allowed to leave without further punishment.

Reflecting on the incident, Kirimi urged Kenyans to take personal responsibility in tackling corruption.

He argued that the problem involves both those who demand bribes and those who willingly offer money.

He encouraged citizens to reject corrupt practices, even when doing so requires patience, sacrifice or inconvenience.

ProfAmor feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com