This archive report was first published on 13 July 2021.
Residents of Kianyaga are living in fear as a new gang, dubbed Mbogi Genje, wreaks havoc in the area. The gang, comprising youth aged between 16 and 20, pose as boda boda riders after 10pm, targeting unsuspecting passengers, especially those arriving at their destinations late at night.
According to Kirinyaga East Police Commander Anthony Mbogo, the gang has been involved in violent robberies, torture, and extortion. Mbogo revealed that police have arrested some of the gang members and are working with boda boda operators to dismantle the gang.
"We are advising parents to be careful when giving money to youngsters," Mbogo said, adding that eight members of a similar gang, the Wisame Group, had been arrested and fined Sh200,000 each in court.
A Kianyaga resident, William Maina, claimed that the criminal gang operates in Kutus town as Wisame and has the same hairstyle as the Mbogi Genje gang. Maina alleged that the gangsters insist on having one more passenger for their own security only to turn on the customer when they reach specific locations.
The Kianyaga Boda boda Operators, led by their chairman Mathew Mathenge, condemned the gang's actions, saying they are soiling their name through thefts and extortions.
