Boda boda riders torch Syokimau police post in protest over killings

Syokimau AP police post goes up in flames as irate boda boda riders protest over killing of Josephat Mwenda. (Photo: Peterson Githaiga/Standard) 

Boda boda riders burnt the Syokimau AP police post during a protest against the killing of one of their own, his lawyer and taxi driver.

The over 6,000 boda boda riders from Syokimau, Mlolongo and Athi-river stormed the police post to demand justice for boda boda rider Josephat Mwenda, his lawyer Willie Kimani and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri.

Reacting to the incident, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said he had ordered police to investigate the arson and arrest those responsible.

“It is wrong to burn such a structure that serves locals for prosperity. I have ordered that those behind it be arrested,” said Mr Boinnet.

The protest by boda boda riders began at the Makadara grounds before proceeding to Mavoko law courts.

Transport along the busy Mombasa road came to a standstill for close to three hours during the protest.

The riders ignored appeal by area MP Patrick Makau not to torch the police post.

“The killing of the trio is painful for every patriotic Kenyan but I urge you not to take law into your own hands. Conduct peaceful protests because I am sure the relevant arms of the Government and security will take up the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” said Mr Makau.

Other politicians who addressed the protesters included Kathiani MP Robert Mbui and East African Legislative Assembly MP Peter Mathuki.

Syokimau Residents Association condemned the burning of the local AP camp.

Chairman Humphrey Odhiambo said the welfare association raised money to construct the structure for their own safety.

“We have lost much in this arson and ask police to get those behind it,” said Mr Odhiambo.

It is at the camp that lawyer Kimani, Mwenda and Muiruri were held before they were found murdered and their bodies stuffed in sacks dumped in Ol-Donyo Sabuk River in Machakos County.

The group of about 100 boda boda riders arrived at the camp as about 20 officers present retreated before they torched it. They later escaped when a reinforcement team arrived.

The cell where the three had been held was closed and marked as evidence in the ongoing investigation into the murder incident.

But crucial evidence had earlier on been collected by forensic experts.

Separately, Boinett gave in to pressure from lawyers and pledged to ensure all those behind the killings are prosecuted.

This is after LSK Wednesday, for the second day, continued to heap pressure on the Government to act with speed over the killings.

Unlike on Monday when the IG did not address the lawyers, Wednesday he emerged from his office and sought to assure them that swift action will be taken against the perpetrators of the brutal murders.

“I want to give my personal assurance that all that is required within the law will be done in ensuring justice is done,” Boinett said outside police headquarters at Jogoo House after lawyers demanded he addresses them.

Thousands of lawyers gathered outside Milimani Law Courts where they staged demonstrations to Supreme Court where various LSK and human rights official addressed them.