Internal Security Principal Secretary (PS), Raymond Omollo, has called on bodaboda operators in the country to collaborate with security agencies in addressing rising insecurity.
Speaking at the Alaskan Grounds in Malindi town during a forum with bodaboda riders in Kilifi County, Friday, Dr. Omollo emphasized the need for joint efforts to curb harassment by criminal groups that have been accused of targeting riders, women, leaders, and business people.
Dr. Omollo commended the bodaboda fraternity in the country for their cooperation with government initiatives, noting the bodaboda leadership has been instrumental in resolving security challenges.
He urged bodaboda riders to refrain from demonstrations called by political leaders and instead choose dialogue to solve any issues affecting them without resorting to confrontations.
The PS further cautioned against street protests and vandalism, stressing that the government is working to ensure every Kenyan feels a sense of ownership in national development.
He pointed to initiatives such as Affordable Housing and market stalls as examples of opportunities that empower citizens to safeguard rather than destroy property.
The PS at the same time ordered the release of all motorcycles held in police stations on account of petty offences in line with a directive issued by President William Ruto last year, in which the Head of State ordered the release of all motorcycles impounded by police on account of petty offences across all the 47 counties.
Dr. Omollo revealed that Kilifi currently has 188 motorcycles held in police stations and directed that they be released before Monday next week.
The PS was responding to concerns raised by leaders of bodaboda riders and Malindi Member of Parliament, Amina Mnyazi, who lamented that the impounding of motorcycles on account of petty offences was hurting the owners as they were not able to service loans taken to buy the machines.
Ms. Mnyazi also asked the government to take decisive actions against local juvenile delinquents referred to locally as mawoza, who have been terrorizing residents in the Coast region using machetes, “even if it means the police shooting them.”
Mr. Fikirini Jacobs, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, said the government had initiated many programmes targeting the youth, whom he said constituted 75.1 percent of the Kenyan population.
He said the government was concentrating on vocational training and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme to empower the youths and safeguard future generations.
Coast Regional Commissioner, Rhoda Onyancha, urged the youths, especially those in the bodaboda industry, to promptly report any suspicious activities such as the Shakahola massacre.
Bodaboda Association of Kenya (BAK) President, Kevin Mubadi, said bodaboda riders in the country had resolved to work with the government of the day and assured the PS that his members would allow President Ruto to deliver his mandate to Kenyans.
During the Forum organized by BAK in conjunction with Mogo Kenya, a financial company, and Definite Assurance Company, the bodaboda rider’s motorcycles received free engine services.
Mr. Kariuki Fernandes from Mogo Kenya and Maxwell Mogire from Definite Assurance Company said the Forum had been called to sensitize the riders on road safety.
They emphasized the need for all motorcycle riders to wear helmets and reflectors as well as observe the highway code in order to curb accidents.
By Emmanuel Masha and Shani Rhai
