Fear grips boda boda riders after man is killed, motorcycle stolen

Ruiru MP Esther Gathogo (right) and Githurai Boda Boda Operators Association Co-ordinator Daniel Ngugi (left) and other boda boda operators carry the coffin bearing the remains of John Mbuthia from the Kenyatta University Funeral Home last Saturday. Mbuthia was shot dead by criminals last week in Githurai. [PHOTO: KAMAU MAICHUHIE/standard]

Boda boda operators in Githurai are a worried lot following the murder of one of their colleagues last week.

John Mbuthia, 21, was shot in the head three times by people he was carrying, bringing to five the number of riders killed by gangsters and their motorcycles stolen in the past five months.

The gangsters usually commit the crime at night.

Githurai Boda Boda Association Chairman Godffrey Njoroge said the criminals usually target new motorbikes.

He said since January this year, 18 motorcycles have been stolen and more than ten riders left with injuries after they were stabbed by the criminals.

"We are living in fear and no longer feel safe. Many of our members are even contemplating quitting this job since they are no longer sure they will live to see the following day," said Mr Njoroge.

The association's coordinator Daniel Ngugi said it is unfortunate that police have not arrested the criminals despite the many incidents.

Numerous complaints

"We have made numerous complaints to the police here in Githurai Kimbo but the situation has not changed. In fact, the situation has just got worse, with the criminal gangs continuing to wreak more havoc," said Mr Ngugi.

Boniface Njoroge, the association's spokesperson, warned the gangsters that their days were numbered.

"It can no longer be business as usual. If the police will not protect us, we will see what we can do to stop this madness. We can no longer continue to lose innocent lives," he said.

Speaking during the burial of John Mbuthia in Gatundu South on Saturday, Ruiru MP Esther Gathogo noted that insecurity in Githurai had reached alarming levels and called on the police to pull up their socks to contain the situation.

The MP said she would convene an emergency meeting of the leaders and security officers in the area to seek a solution to the insecurity menace.

"As leaders, we cannot continue to turn a blind eye as our people continue to suffer at the hands of a few bad individuals. The people have a right to live in a secure environment.

I call on residents who have any information that may lead to the arrest of the criminal gang to provide information to leaders and the police for action," said Gathogo.

Ruiru OCPD Isaac Thuranira acknowledged there has been a security challenge in the area recently. He, however, said stringent measures had been put in place to end the wave of insecurity.

"We are following crucial leads and it is just a matter of time before we apprehend the culprits. Nobody will ever commit an offence or break the law and go unpunished," said Thuranira.