Truck driver secretly records Kenyan traffic police demanding bribe: "Leta pesa ya polisi"

A Kenyan truck driver has sparked national outrage and online debate after bravely recording a traffic police officer allegedly demanding a bribe during a routine stop along Mombasa Road.

The video, which has since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), captures the encounter that has become all too familiar to many Kenyans.

What began as a standard stop quickly escalated into a blatant shakedown. The officer, audibly upbeat, is heard instructing the driver to open the truck door. Moments later, she bluntly demands: “Fungua hapa... what are you carrying?” Leta pesa ya polisi.”

Aty pesa ya police ? enyewe Kenya we are so corrupt. Ata huna makosa?.Si waliongezewa mshahara ,gen Zs don't speak that language. Itabidi mtuue ? pic.twitter.com/52aqfpDLuC

— Random World Ψ (@randomworldke) June 10, 2025

That now-infamous phrase, “leta pesa ya polisi”, has become symbolic of the deeply entrenched culture of roadside corruption that continues to plague the country, despite multiple attempts at reform.

The officer’s aggressive tone, coupled with her casual threat of arrest and complete disregard for consequences, has triggered widespread condemnation. But what’s resonated most with Kenyans is the truck driver’s calm, composed, and courageous response, capturing every moment in a bold act of digital defiance.

The video has sparked a flood of comments online, with many praising the driver’s bravery while decrying the persistent misconduct within the traffic police unit.

> @TheDiasporaNomads: “Kenya Police — sad reality.”
@EdithLumumba: “Unfortunately, they can’t kill us. That young man is brave.”

The video reignited calls for urgent action to weed out corrupt officers from the traffic police department, with Kenyans demanding accountability and protection for whistleblowers who risk exposing systemic abuse.

In April, President William Ruto stated that the government will review police salaries and terms of service, saying the move will enable the government to boost their morale to serve diligently.

Ruto noted the government had already rolled out phase one of the salary increment.

“Our goal is to boost their morale, enabling them to serve the people diligently and protect lives and property,” Ruto stated.