Luanda MP Dick Maungu has called for immediate government intervention to curb the rising killings of boda boda operators in the constituency, warning that the escalating menace is creating fear and despondency among residents.
Speaking during a security consultative meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary for Internal Security, Dr Raymond Omollo, following the launch of the Emuhaya Sub County headquarters, Maungu said criminal gangs had turned boda boda riders into easy targets, attacking or killing them before stealing their motorcycles.
The meeting brought together leaders from Vihiga County including Members of Parliament, security officials, Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, chiefs and more than 250 boda boda representatives drawn from all five sub-counties.
Maungu urged the government to move swiftly to dismantle the criminal networks behind the attacks and restore public confidence in the region’s security.
“We cannot continue losing innocent boda boda riders to ruthless criminals who kill them just to steal their motorcycles. The government must act swiftly to dismantle these gangs and restore peace in Luanda and the entire Vihiga County,” he said.
The legislator noted that the boda boda sector remains one of the largest sources of employment for young people, adding that continued attacks not only deprive families of their breadwinners but also undermine the county’s economic growth.
He called on security agencies to prioritize investigations into the killings and intensify patrols in areas that have experienced repeated attacks.
“Security is a fundamental right of every Kenyan. I have urged the Ministry of Interior to treat the insecurity facing our boda boda operators as an urgent matter because livelihoods and lives are being lost every week,” Maungu added.
The MP also appealed to members of the public and boda boda operators to support security agencies by volunteering information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
He emphasized that community policing remains one of the most effective tools in combating organized crime and urged riders not to shield criminal elements operating within the transport sector.
“I call upon residents and boda boda operators to work closely with security agencies by sharing information that can lead to the arrest of those behind these killings. Together, we can reclaim our communities from criminals,” he said.
On his part, Dr. Omollo assured residents that the government had taken note of the concerns raised and pledged to strengthen security operations in the affected areas.
The PS challenged boda boda leaders to take an active role in identifying criminal elements within their ranks, saying lasting security can only be achieved through close collaboration between the public and law enforcement agencies.
The consultative forum gave boda boda representatives from across Vihiga County an opportunity to present their security concerns directly to government officials and political leaders, with many calling for enhanced security operations, faster investigations and the recovery of stolen motorcycles.
by Kelly Barasa
