By C, KNA
Motorcycle taxi operators (boda boda) in Kisumu County are demanding justice and urgent action against the resurgence of organised goons following the killing of their security chief, George Olwanda, who was attacked in Mbale after attending a political rally in Kakamega last weekend.
The riders claim the fatal attack, which occurred shortly after the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega, has exposed growing insecurity linked to politically charged gatherings, leaving many in the sector fearful for their lives.
Speaking during a press conference in Kisumu, the association’s Secretary General, Dan Omondi, described the day of the killing as a black Saturday for the boda boda fraternity.
“We are deeply saddened and profoundly shocked by the untimely demise of our head of security. Olwanda served this association with dedication, courage and integrity,” Omondi said.
He warned that the brazen killing signalled a dangerous trend.
“If the head of security can be killed in that manner, what protection does a normal rider have? This raises very serious questions,” he said.
The growing network ofnpolitically sponsored goons operating in Kisumu, he said, was a big concern.
“There are goons all over Kisumu. As boda boda riders, we are not going to be threatened,” Omondi said, cautioning politicians against exploiting youths and riders during campaign periods.
Omondi said the association has reached out to Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security, who assured them that investigations would be expedited.
“We believe the culprit will be brought to book. Justice must prevail,” he said.
He called for a swift, transparent probe into the killing and urged security agencies to restore order.
Association chairman Ogambo Jacob questioned the manner in which preliminary information surrounding the incident was communicated and criticised the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, calling for professionalism and transparency in the investigations.
“We want impartial investigations. Let the truth come out,” he said.
The killing, he said, has heightened anxiety within the boda boda sector, with warning that failure to decisively address the resurgence of organised gangs could plunge the region into deeper instability.
“We are ready to work with security agencies to ensure Kisumu and neighbouring counties remain safe,” Ogambo said.
Human rights activist Audi Ogada said lawlessness was fast eroding public confidence in security agencies.
“The mandate of national security is to protect Kenyans, their property, their rights and their peace. We expect them to act with impartiality irrespective of who committed the crime,” Ogada said.
Vulnerable youths, he said, were being mobilised to cause chaos at rallies, warning that such actions were destabilising the county
He urged the government to act decisively against criminal elements without political bias.
Kisumu Central Parliamentary Aspirant Edward Onyango said the political environment had become increasingly volatile following the death of Raila Odinga, noting that party members were navigating turbulent times.
He urged politicians across the divide to refrain from divisive rhetoric and to stop using young people to settle political scores.
“We need unity. The youths need jobs and opportunities, not to be turned into instruments of violence,” he said.
In a tearful address, Olwanda’s widow, Florence Augo, appealed directly to the government to ensure justice is served.
“My husband was the breadwinner in my house. If they have started killing our husbands, then we are not safe. I need justice. We want to know who is behind this,” she said.