This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On Thursday evening, Nairobi city police launched a clampdown on boda boda operators in the Central Business District, sparking outrage among motorcyclists.
According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of motorcycles were impounded at the Central Police Station, leaving many motorcyclists without a means of earning a living.
Thomas Lesatin, the Chairman of the boda boda umbrella body, described the situation as 'illegal' and 'excessive.' He claimed that some motorcyclists were beaten up by the police during the operation.
Lesatin also alleged that the police were 'indiscriminate' in their operation, arresting both innocent and guilty motorcyclists.
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.
On the other hand, Central Police Station OCPD, Stanley Atavachi, denied claims that some motorcycles were confiscated outside the CBD. He accused the boda boda operators of being violent whenever approached by the police.
Atavachi stated that the operation was 'well within the provisions of the county laws that prohibit use of boda bodas in the CBD.'
