Benjamin Mwanthi is a senior Kenyan police officer who was recently appointed as the new Traffic Commandant in the Kenya Police Service.
His appointment has seen him replace the former traffic commandant Dr. Fredrick Ochieng.
Before this appointment, Mwanthi served as the Uasin Gishu County police commander based in Eldoret.
However, on May 19, 2026, Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat announced a major reshuffle within the National Police Service, naming Mwanthi as the new Traffic Commandant.
The changes were described as part of efforts to strengthen police operations ahead of the 2027 elections.
As Uasin Gishu’s former County Police Commander, Mwanthi was frequently involved in coordinating security operations in Eldoret and surrounding areas.
He was also in charge of managing public protests and maintaining order, addressing security concerns involving boda boda riders, demonstrations, and urban unrest.
In January 2026, he publicly confirmed that calm had returned to Eldoret after protests by boda boda riders disrupted business activities in the town.
Mwanthi comes from Kitui County in Kenya and joined the police service shortly after completing Form Four.
He trained at the Kiganjo Police Training College. He previously served in several police stations before rising through the ranks.
He reportedly participated in a peacekeeping mission in Ethiopia, which contributed significantly to his career growth.
As Traffic Commandant, Mwanthi now heads the majority of Kenya’s national traffic police operations.
His responsibilities are expected to include road safety enforcement, Oversight of traffic officers countrywide, managing traffic control strategies, and coordinating responses to rising road accidents and congestion.