Bodaboda riders in Nyeri county have promised to rally behind the government in the war against criminals, robbing people, while posing as bodaboda operators.
Local bodaboda chairperson Charles Ndegwa says the situation, which is slowly taking root in the county is not a threat not to the public, but also to their business, which has been struggling to get back on its feet, since the end of the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Ndegwa says the number of persons losing the personal effects like phones and handbags to criminals masquerading as bodaboda riders has been on the increase in recent days within the town and its environs.
“Incidents of criminals posing as bodaboda riders and robbing pedestrians has now become a security threat in Nyeri town and other adjoining towns. What is even shocking is the sheer boldness by these criminals, since they are now robbing people in broad daylight. As an association we have decided to fully support the security agencies in arresting this situation before it gets out of hand,” says Ndegwa whose association boasts of about 200 members.
Ndegwa has singled out roundabouts and road interchanges as the most likely places where one can lose his personal belonging to these criminal gangs.
He explained that the criminals who often slow down at such strategic points, while monitoring their targets and once they identify one, they snatch whatever they can from the person then speed away.
“We want to request our clients and the general public not to associate our members with these criminals since none of them is registered with us. Our members are clearly noticeable by way of a unique identification code designated to a particular pick-up point. Therefore, any rider found robbing a pillion passenger or even a passerby is not one of our members and should be handed over to security agents,” he adds.
The official has also advised his members to avoid falling prey to politicians who are out to cause unrest in order to gain their own political ends.
He cited the recent incident on December 4, where rowdy youths engaged police officers in running battles in Nyeri Central Business District (CBD) after an abortive political meeting by a section of leaders.
Trouble began after a number of leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua attempted to address roadside meetings after visiting the local DCI offices to record statements in regard to chaos witnessed during a funeral service in Limuru.
Among those in attendance during the funeral service was Rigathi.
“Let us not allow ourselves to be used by politicians to attain their personal ends. Bodaboda operators are known for their unwavering support in maintenance of law and order. We shall continue to do this even as we work hard to earn our daily bread,” he has stated.
Among those who had been summoned to make statements at the DCI offices in regard to the incident was Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa.
He was accompanied by his Nyandarua counterpart John Methu, Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba, Juja MP George Koimburi, former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
By Samuel Maina
