Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has issued a stern warning to traffic police officers soliciting bribes from motorists covered by Xplico Insurance, following the recent move by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) to place the insurer under statutory management.

The Insurance Regulatory Authority took decisive action on Friday, announcing the placement of Xplico Insurance Company Limited under Statutory Management.

In a statement, the IRA revealed that the Policyholders Compensation Fund (PCF) had been appointed as the Statutory Manager for Xplico Insurance Company Limited.

The underwriter is now prohibited from issuing any new insurance contracts, effective December 8, 2023.

Cabinet Secretary Kuria, in response to reports of corrupt practices, expressed concern over traffic police officers soliciting bribes from Public Service Vehicle (PSV) owners who are insured by Xplico.

Kuria stated, "I have received reports about traffic police officers asking for bribes from PSV owners who have cover from Xplico Insurance, which was only put under receivership yesterday."

Highlighting the challenges faced by innocent policyholders, Kuria emphasized that it was not reasonable to expect them to obtain new coverage over the weekend.

He immediately addressed the issue with Inspector General Japheth Koome, cautioning police officers, particularly those in the vicinity of Eldoret Town, against engaging in such activities.

"Any police officers especially around Eldoret Town who are doing this, do it at your own risk. I urge all PSV owners not to pay any bribes" Kuria asserted.

The warning comes at a time when the underwriter, Xplico Insurance, is undergoing significant regulatory changes, raising concerns about the potential exploitation of motorists during this period of uncertainty.

With Xplico now under statutory management, the government is keen on ensuring that law enforcement officers uphold integrity and refrain from exploiting innocent policyholders for personal gain.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any incidents of bribery to the relevant authorities.