West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo intervened at a police roadblock along the Kapenguria-Lodwar highway and secured the release of a boda boda rider who had been detained by officers.
The rider, Leonard Powen, was carrying onions from Ortum to Kapenguria town when police stopped him and accused him of breaking traffic rules. Officers also shackled him to his motorcycle, prompting the governor to confront them at the scene.
Lonyangapuo said the arrest was unlawful and told the officers to free the rider immediately. He also accused police of using roadblocks to harass motorists and collect bribes.
“This is illegal. How can you handcuff the rider against his motorcycle? You have violated his rights and you must release him unconditionally,” the governor told the officers.
The officers later released Powen and apologised for the incident. Lonyangapuo then ordered them to remove the spikes at the roadblock and leave the area, which they did.
He also told County Police Commander Mathew Kutto to clear illegal roadblocks in the county. According to the governor, boda boda operators had helped improve peace and security, with some former warriors abandoning cattle rustling for the transport business.
“What are these 20 roadblocks erected in the county for? This is not Somalia and I’m not going to tolerate any harassment,” he said.
“You should not play where there is peace. Stop reviving wounds. I don’t want these boys to be frustrated and be forced to go back to the bush,” the governor said.
