Interior Ministry Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has called on bodaboda operators to work closely with security agencies to address rising insecurity across the country.
Speaking at Alaskan Grounds in Malindi, Kilifi County over the weekend, Omollo urged riders to collaborate with authorities to curb harassment by criminal groups targeting riders, women, leaders and business people.
“While the industry has, at times, been infiltrated by criminal elements, security agencies are actively collaborating with regional associations and grassroots leadership to identify and weed out such individuals,” Omollo said.
“This coordinated approach is aimed at restoring order, enhancing public trust and safeguarding the integrity of a sector that millions depend on daily.”
The PS commended the bodaboda sector for supporting government initiatives, saying its leadership has played a key role in resolving security challenges. He also urged riders to avoid demonstrations called by political leaders and instead pursue dialogue.
Omollo cautioned against street protests and vandalism, noting that the government is working to ensure every Kenyan feels a sense of ownership in national development through programmes such as affordable housing and market stalls.
At the same time, he ordered the release of motorcycles impounded over petty offences, in line with a directive issued last year by President William Ruto.
Omollo said 188 motorcycles are currently being held in police stations in Kilifi County and directed that they be released before Monday next week.
The directive followed concerns raised by Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, who said the continued detention of motorcycles was hurting riders financially, especially those servicing loans.
Mnyazi also called for firm action against juvenile gangs locally known as “mawoza,” accused of terrorising residents in the Coast region using machetes, “even if it means the police shooting them.”
Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs said the government is rolling out programmes targeting young people, who make up 75.1 per cent of the population, including vocational training and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha urged youths, particularly those in the bodaboda sector, to report suspicious activities promptly, citing incidents such as the Shakahola massacre.
Bodaboda Association of Kenya president Kevin Mubadi said riders are committed to working with the government.
He assured authorities that bodaboda operators would support the administration and allow President Ruto to deliver on his mandate.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google