This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
On May 10, 2020, security personnel in Igembe North, Meru, recovered over 20 motorcycles belonging to boda boda operators. The recoveries were part of a crackdown on gangs that had been targeting the operators, leading to increasing theft and injuries.
According to Igembe North Police boss Apollo Busolo, some of the thefts occurred during the start of the 7 pm-5 am curfew hours, with the operators becoming victims during the rush to beat the curfew. Busolo stated that the motorcycles were being stolen as the curfew approached, with some passengers potentially being robbers.
Busolo also mentioned that the owners of the motorcycles had identified them and were in the process of providing ownership documents to restore the vehicles. The police had apprehended some suspects and were working to prosecute them.
Additionally, Maua Police Chief Henry Okongo reported that security officers had successfully recovered firearms, which were sent to government forensics ballistics experts for further investigation. Okongo also stated that some suspects were apprehended and would be taken to court.
As the crackdown continues, Busolo and Okongo emphasized the importance of observing the curfew and taking personal precautions to prevent theft. Another 10 motorcycles were recovered from various areas in the last few days, according to Watu Credit, an agency that facilitates the acquisition of assets on credit.
Leonard Njogu, an asset recovery officer at Watu Credit, advised boda boda operators to not leave their motorcycles unattended and to take personal precautions by assessing their passengers. Vincent Murithi, a boda boda operator in Meru town, reported that several of his colleagues had fallen victim to what seemed to be an organized gang targeting areas in Imenti North.
