Boda-boda Association of Kenya (BAK) Chairperson Kevin Mubadi on Wednesday revealed that criminals were increasingly posing as customers and robbing them of their motorcycles before smuggling them to neighboring countries.
According to the association, the thieves pose as customers when they approach riders asking for transportation services before turning on them while in transit to stage a coordinated theft syndicate.
The thieves then transfer the motorcycle to make sales through smuggling to neigbouring countries that include Uganda and Tanzania.
Speaking during an event in Kisumu, Mubadi expressed concern over the escalating number of motorbike thefts targeting boda-boda riders across the country.
A boda boda rider ferries a passenger to their destination
Photo
Swala Nyeti
He noted a sharp rise in the instances where criminals posed as customers to steal bikes and emphasised the need for heightened security measures and community awareness programs to combat the issue.
“These motorbikes are our means of livelihood. Many of us have worked hard to buy them and some of us have acquired them on loans. We must take every legal measure to protect our assets from these syndicates, ‘’ Mubadi explained.
According to Mubadi, the developments prompted them to launch a coordinated initiative to combat the rising theft of motorbikes in the country.
According to the association, the move will involve efforts aimed at working with other partners including the National Police Service and other private entities to disrupt organised syndicates responsible for stealing the motorbikes in Kenya and smuggling them across the border into Uganda and Tanzania.
‘’The partnership with the police and a credit lending institution will enable us to respond swiftly to any theft attempts, safeguarding both property and lives,” Mubadi added.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, who was in attendance, assured the riders of police determination to strengthen the county’s efforts to combat and curb boda-boda theft and promised a swift response and action from the police.
The County Commissioner also cautioned boda-boda riders over instances where they have been aiding and abetting crimes and also recklessness that has been an endangerment to other road users.
“We will double police patrols in high-risk areas, improve investigation techniques, and focus on apprehending perpetrators by relying on first-hand witness accounts from boda-boda stage chairpersons throughout the region,” Leparmorijo added.
“Our credit facility is leading the charge in implementing advanced tracking systems and security devices for motorbikes. These technologies are essential for tracking stolen bikes and preventing future thefts,” Len Ogolla, a credit facility Regional Manager noted.
Bomet Bodaboda Association of Kenya members
Photo
Bodaboda Association of Kenya
