This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 26th, 2019, a clampdown on boda boda operators in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) was launched by the City police, leaving motorcyclists in a state of panic.
According to eyewitnesses, the operation, which continued into the next day, saw police impounding motorcycles and arresting motorcyclists, including those who were not involved in any wrongdoing.
Chairman of the boda boda umbrella body, Thomas Lesatin, condemned the police operation, stating that several members' motorcycles had been impounded and some of their members were in hospital after being beaten up by the police.
Lesatin alleged that the police were being indiscriminate in their operation, arresting innocent motorcyclists along with those who were involved in a scuffle with the police.
One motorcyclist, Collins Oyier, whose motorcycle was 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.
However, the police have denied claims that some motorcycles were confiscated outside the CBD, with the Central Police Station OCPD, Stanley Atavachi, accusing the boda boda operators of being violent whenever approached by the police.
