Rogue boda boda operators put on spot as police move in to restore order

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28- The National Police Service is set to embark on an exercise to map out areas prone to crime linked to boda boda operators, following increased cases of impunity.

Once the exercise is done, the police will embark on a major operation to weed out rogue elements, some of whom operate without licenses and others are used by thugs to commit crime.

The main focus will be in the big cities like Nairobi, where a huge chunk of the 2 million boda boda operators are based.

In a statement on Thursday, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said police were under firm instructions to watch out on rogue elements, with a focus of apprehending them for a date with the court.

“Recent incidents indicate that victims of accidents where boda boda riders are involved have been assaulted and, in some instances, their vehicles burnt,” he said.

“It is against this backdrop that I caution all boda boda riders and operators against such uncouth and uncivilized manner of addressing issues. This is in contrast to the stipulated laws and regulations in the country.”

This will however not be the first time the government is making attempts to restore sanity in the sector.

Previous efforts including by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi bore no fruit.

“All police officers have been directed to be on the lookout to take the necessary lawful action against any boda boda rider found to be taking law into their own hands,” the IG said.

“The boda boda sector plays a huge role in the Kenyan economy as a source of employment and livelihood for many people. The operators and riders must therefore closely partner with the police to make this important sector safe, secure, and orderly.”