National government administrators in Meru County have embarked on a mission to flush out under 18 riders out of the boda boda business.
The move was triggered by concerns raised by County commissioner Alan Machari on the increasing number of teenagers engaging in the business as the schools remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Machari said parents would be held equally responsible for negligence since the law does not allow an under 18 person on the road riding or driving.
He said there were many other activities at home where the teenagers could be engaged in to keep them busy and away from taking risks on roads and other business places under the management of their parents and guardians.
The administrator said as much as government administrators remained committed to enforcing the law to uphold order and harmony in their areas of jurisdiction, the community had a crucial role to play in containing any activity likely to create public insecurity by all means.
The CC said chiefs and their assistants should remain on high alert to gather and disseminate information on what was going on their areas for necessary action to be taken by the relevant authority, saying laxity would be punished according to the benefit of the people.
Machari reiterated that parents had a duty to remain front liners in spearheading efforts along with other complimentary players towards the health, development and prosperity of boys and girls in the community.
On illicit brew trade and consumption in the region, Machari said there were some disturbing reports that some areas were still lost into the vice at the watch of some administrators in collusion with law enforcers.
“Investigations were on top gear to catch up with the culprits determined to continue perpetrating and gaining from the illegal and anti-development vice in the communities, and very soon they will pay for their laxity and greed in line with the rule of law,” Machari said.
By Makaa Margaret
