Police hunt for motorcycle thieves

Five suspects linked to a machete-wielding gang behind wave of motorcycle theft in Mombasa and Kilifi have been arrested.

Mombasa Police Commander Johnston Ipara said one of the suspects was arrested in Embu with a motorcycle suspected to have been stolen in Mtwapa.

The arrest follows a resurgence in theft targeting motorcycles in the region.

A fortnight ago, a boda boda rider was killed in Shanzu and his motorcycle stolen.

Boda boada operators claim that at least four of their colleagues are attacked every month.

The attacks have sparked fears in parts of Kisauni, Changamwe and Likoni where residents say the operators are forced to close business by 7pm, thus affecting movement.