Trans Nzoia: Police arrest 43 boda boda riders in crackdown

Over 43 boda boda riders were on Thursday arrested in a crackdown launched by Kitale police following President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive.

Trans Nzoia West Deputy County Police Commander (DCPC) Peter Lobolia said the suspects were arrested as part of a crackdown on the rogue riders.

"We are having 43 riders in our custody," Lobolia said.

43 motorcycles were also seized in the continuing operation.

Speaking to the Star in his Kitale office, he said the crackdown was just a normal exercise to weed out those operating without the required licence, helmet and carrying more than one pillion.

Trans Nzoia county boda boda officials asked the police to exercise humanity during the operation, saying their operators have families and loans to take care of.

" We are not against this operation to remove rogue boda boda riders. But the police shouldn't take advantage of the Presidential directive as a way of enriching themselves," Tony Kolombo, their chairman, said.

He said hundreds of the riders were now living in fear and had opted to stay at home till the operation is over.

"If the riders will opt to remain at home as other cadres work, what do you expect to happen when they come in contact during the evening?" he asked.

A spot check by the Star established that boda boda stages in Kitale, Veterinary, Matisi, Mitume, Laini Moja were deserted by the time of going to press.