This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On Thursday evening, Nairobi police launched a clampdown on boda boda operators in the Central Business District, sparking widespread outrage.
According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of motorcycles were impounded at the Central Police Station, leaving many motorcyclists without a means of earning a living.
Motorcyclists who spoke to Nyakundi Report claimed that they were not given a reason for the impoundment and that excessive force was used during the operation.
“Several members’ motorcycles have been impounded by the police and some of our members are in hospital after they were beaten up by the police,” said Thomas Lesatin, the Chairman of the boda boda umbrella body.
The operation, which started on Thursday evening, continued into Friday, with even chartered motorcycles, such as those operated by Safe Boda, being dragged into the station.
Mr. Lesatin claimed that a group of rowdy motorcyclists, who were not registered under their body, got involved in a scuffle with the police, resulting in the clampdown.
However, the chairman of the umbrella body alleged that the police were indiscriminate in their operation, arresting innocent motorcyclists who were not part of the rowdy group.
Collins Oyier, owner of a motorcycle impounded by the police, questioned the legality of his company’s motorcycle being held by the police despite being cleared to operate in the CBD.
“My motorcycle was clamped in Mbagathi road, which is far away from the CBD. I can no longer service the loan I used to get it and I am not going anywhere until they give it back to me. I have no means of feeding my family,” he said.
The police, however, defended their operation, saying it was well within the provisions of the county laws that prohibit the use of boda bodas in the CBD.
Central Police Station OCPD, Stanley Atavachi, denied claims that some motorcycles were confiscated outside the CBD, saying that his officers had only arrested motorcyclists operating in the CBD.
