At least 1,500 motorcycle riders in Kitengela town, Kajiado County, boycotted services on Monday, January 22 morning, protesting what they term as arbitrary arrest of their colleagues.
More than 40 bodaboda operators were arrested by police over Thursday, January 18 incident where they assaulted a motorist who caused multiple accidents.
The agitated riders said police officers have arrested riders indiscriminately for three days despite their leadership accepting to identify the culprits.
On Monday morning, they boycotted a crisis meeting convened by police officers and local administration before they downed their tools. They carried placards condemning police harassment.
All motorcycles that were seen to be rendering their services were forcefully pulled out of the road prompting transport crisis in the populous town.
Kitengela Boda boda association Chairman Geoffrey Karanja said they will not accept blanket condemnation of the riders but asked for forgiveness over the incident.
However, Kitengela Assistant County Commissioner Chrispus Mwazoya, Kitengela OCS David Ole Shani and base commander Sarah Boella intervened asking the riders to disperse as security agencies will not be arm-twisted to stop the crack down.
They managed to convince them to resume operations after four hours standoff.
The sting operation has so far seen 41 bodaboda riders arrested and are set to be arraigned in court today. Atleast 45 motorcycles have been detained too.
The hit and run
In a video that went viral sparking a public uproar in the country, dozens of bodaboda riders were seen escorting the motorist and his male passenger before damaging their vehicle in broad daylight.
In the incident reported at Kitengela police station vide OB No 98/18/01/2024 the motor vehicle reg No. KDG 265E Nissan Juke driven by Mr Conex Kemuto hit the unknown motorcycle also heading towards Kitengela from Athi River carrying one pillion passenger namely Felix Delorie, 35,who sustained lower right leg wound, left fore head injury and back head injury.
The driver then sped off towards Namanga general direction through the Arusha service lane and hit pedestrian Bernard Mutinda aged 32 years injuring him on the left leg below the knee and his son Hashley Baraka age 4 years,” read part of the police report.
Freak multiple accidents
She drove towards the Old Namanga Road and hit an unknown motorcycle, which the rider escaped, injuring the pillion passenger Damaris Wandia aged 28 years, who is expectant, on the left leg and bruises on both hands.
She then hit a pedestrian, Joseph Mutiso Wambua, injuring him the right leg and right shoulder. She then drove through Tarmac Road, exiting the Shell Petrol Station at Enkare, where the vehicle was blocked by rowdy Boda Boda riders
The vehicle was extensively damaged with stones and was towed to police station awaiting inspection.
The co-driver Christopher Mutua was beaten and sustained injuries on the upper lip, two broken front upper teeth, and bruises on his forehead.
