Buy the pickup, follow the rules, and whenever you see a roadblock ahead, just indicate to stop even before the flag you down, stop when they actually stop you, wind down the window, switch on the cabin light if it is at night, answer all their questions politely, thank them when they flag you on...

I do this all the time and I have no problem.

Its applicable huko majuu sio hapa

Why not do a couple of test runs in someone's/hired pickup as you transport your stuff and see what transpires.

But I don't think police harassment can be a good enough reason to decide to be hiring instead of buying.

They guys you will be hiring from deal with the same police/environment and still turn in a profit - from you!!!

Your major worry should be the "down time". Will you be able to keep the pick up busy most of the time ama it will be mostly in the parking lot? Hilo tu ndilo swali la maana.