Garissa registers 3,000 boda boda operators

A three-month drive to register all boda boda operators in Garissa Township has so far enlisted 3,000.

Garissa township subcounty police commander James Ngétich yesterday said they have registered 161 groups.

“We are currently at 95 per cent and in the next few weeks, we should be done with registering all boda boda operators into groups,” he said.

“This will go a long way in enhancing security since it will be easier to track them.”

He was speaking during a one-day workshop for security officials and boda boda chairpersons organised and sponsored by Kesho Alliance, an NGO.

Cases of crime in Garissa township and its environs have been reported in the recent past, some orchestrated by boda boda operators who escape immediately after committing them.

In December, a prominent businesswoman was stabbed to death by three men who were riding on a motorbike, who accosted her while she was approaching home. She died on the spot.

The boda bodas have themselves also been victims after being stabbed by criminals while transporting customers. In some instances, some have died, while others have had their motorbikes stolen.

Ngetich said the purpose of zoning the boda bodas into groups according to their stages is one way of seeking to streamline the sector.

“Over the past years, boda boda riders have been accused of committing various crimes and being rogue,” Nge’tich said.

“We have found a way here to bring them closer, establish a good working relationships with them so we can root out the bad ones and tame crime.

“Robbery cases and stabbing by criminals with boda bodas have significantly gone down since we started this process. There might be a few incidents, but we will deal with it firmly.”

The OCPD urged all boda boda riders to comply with the directives to avoid arrests by traffic police officers.

ODM nominated MP for youth Umulkheir Harun called on national leaders and public institutions to come up with ways to empower boda boda riders, who are a key pillar to the country’s economy.

She said security matters cannot be left to the police alone, adding that that everyone has a role to play in ensuring safety in maintained.

Umulkheir, who is the founder of Kesho Alliance, the sponsor of the event, said once the boda boda operators are empowered and trained, no politician will be able to incite them to cause harm, especially during elections.

“Once people are informed and empowered, no one can invite them in any way. The leaders need to ensure they support these riders and not to wait to use them in electioneering time. It starts with having proper structures,” the youthful MP said.

Maxwell Otiono, the Garissa Township boda boda chairman, called on the government and the security apparatus to continue having constant engagement with the operators, whom he said play a significant role in not only driving the country’s economy but also in matters security.