By MN Reporter

Nyatike MP Edick Anyanga has called for an audit of weighbridges in the country to help stamp out rampant corruption.

Anyanga has tasked the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to do a thorough audit on officials manning weighbridges across the country whom he accused of extorting bribes from transporters.

He said truck drivers and investors have often complained of being forced to part with bribes or their vehicles cramped up.

His remarks came as tension was witnessed at a Rongo weighbridge between toll managers, policemen and two truck drivers last week that delayed transportation for a 12 hours.

Migori-based association of transporters and truck drivers threatened to demonstrate against the Rongo weighbridge, which they said was being manned irregularly.

“Rongo weighbridge is manned by officers from a single tribe which even show the manner of service delivery at the scene,” Shem Shefa, a leader of the association.

He said the two drovers had refused to part with Sh90,000 bribe and were charged with “framed up charges” and paid Sh200,000.

But manager on duty at the weighbridge Antone Awendo, the truck drivers had avoided the weighbridge and were forced to reweigh the vehicle thereafter.

Anyanga said apart from Rongo, other centers like Gilgil and Busia are worse off with officials extorting money from trucks which has contributed to poor condition of the roads.

”These weighbridge managers have turned their stations into cash points where every truck driver must part with some money for them to be allowed to pass,” Anyanga said.