Lwandeti boda-boda operators deny abetting crime

Lugari,

Wednesday, September 27, 2023,

KNA, by Melechezedeck Ejakai

Boda-boda operators in Lwandeti ward in Lugari constituency have refuted claims of engagement in criminal activities.

Speaking to the press at Lwandeti trading centre, the operators, led by the ward chairman Peter Makokha shifted blame to riders from outside the ward saying they are behind the recent spate of crime in the area.

He said: “Our trading center has witnessed a number of theft incidents involving motorcycle riders in the recent past. However we suspect those involved are not registered to operate here.

“Every time the market management and security agencies raise the issue of theft with me, I have not been able to explain since no arrests have been made. 

“We have riders from as far as Nzoia in Bungoma County who are operating here with us but they are not registered here.

“As registered operators in Lwandeti we have resolved that each rider should operate at their rightful stage so that anytime we have insecurity incidents we are able to identify those involved.”

He appealed to operators registered elsewhere to stick to those respective stage. 

“Let us coexist peacefully. We are not prohibiting anybody from

operating within the ward. What we are asking them politely is that

let the drop their pillion passengers or luggage and go back to their

respective stages.”

Makokha cautioned his Lwandeti colleagues against working past

10 o’clock at night saying he won’t intervene in case they are

arrested.

“If security agencies find and arrest you for operating past the set

time just carry your own cross as I will not intervene as your chairman.” He stated.

Augustine Juma echoed the chair’s sentiments saying each rider should

operate where they are registered.

 He said those riders operating at night should be held responsible for

the rampant theft in Lwandeti market. Another operator Jairus Barasa said those wishing to operate in Lwandeti should come out and register at the stage if not they should just go back to where they are identified.

“In Lwandeti we don’t operate past 10 o’clock yet most burglary incidents happen after that time and the blame is hipped on us. We are asking the law enforcers to take action and arrest any rider operating beyond the stipulated time.

Courtesy; KNA