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Walking may seem like the safest mode of transport—but in Kenya, even pedestrians can land in trouble with traffic police. While traffic officers are mostly known for flagging down speeding vehicles or shaking down matatus, they do have authority to detain or arrest individuals on foot—under certain conditions.
Let’s break it down clearly: a traffic police officer can arrest a pedestrian if the person is caught violating specific laws outlined in the Traffic Act or related legislation. But that power isn't unlimited, and it certainly isn’t automatic.
Pedestrians can face legal trouble if they:
-Cross the road where it's not allowed (jaywalking)
-Ignore pedestrian traffic signals
-Walk on highways or restricted roads
-Obstruct traffic or cause danger to motorists
-Engage in rowdy, intoxicated, or disorderly behavior on the road
-Hitch rides dangerously or loiter around moving vehicles
In such cases, the officer isn’t just stopping you to chat—they’re enforcing public safety laws. And yes, if you resist, you could be fined, detained, or taken to court.
However, traffic cops are not gods with uniforms. They cannot:
-Arrest you without explaining the offense
-Demand bribes or intimidate you without cause
-Detain you for “looking suspicious” while walking
-Use excessive force or search you unlawfully
Their powers are tied to specific offenses, not random suspicion. If you're simply walking safely on a footpath or crossing properly, they have no reason to arrest you.
If a traffic police officer stops you as a pedestrian:
1.Stay calm
2.Ask what offense you’re being accused of
3.Don’t argue—record the encounter if you can
4.Note the officer’s badge number
5.Report abuse to IPOA or a nearby police station
Your legs don’t make you lawless—but neither does theirs make them law.
Yes, traffic cops can arrest a pedestrian—but only if there’s a legal reason. Being on foot isn’t a free pass to ignore road rules, and enforcement is real, especially in cities like Nairobi. Still, abuse of power is a real threat too, so know your limits—and theirs.
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