A dark cloud enveloped Mungakha and Chamavere villages in Lwandeti location, Matete Sub County after two boda boda operators were brutally murdered in two separate incidents, their motorbikes confiscated and their bodies dumped near churches on Wednesday night.
In the first incident, 28-year-old Martin Khwatenge was murdered and his body which had deep cuts dumped near Maturu African Divine Church. According to his mother Mrs. Evelyn Lichuma Munyasi, who is a businesswoman at Luandeti trading centre, she last saw her son at about 6pm on Wednesday and told him to close business and go home, which
he agreed and left before his body was found on Thursday morning.
“I last saw my son yesterday evening and I told him to go home and he agreed but I was shocked after I received news about his death after his body was found in the morning,” said Mrs. Lichuma.
She said the killers made away with his son’s motorbike which she had bought for him two months ago. “In fact, I’m still paying the motorbike loan which I bought on hire purchase,” she added.
Area residents have decried increased cases of insecurity especially targeting boda boda operators. “The boda boda sector has created employment opportunities for hundreds of
youths but the trend is now worrying after they’ve turned to be the targets for robbers, especially those who own new motorbikes,” said Mr. Lazarus Wafula Makelo.
In a similar incident Peter Walela who operates his boda boda business in Webuye was hoodwinked by his passenger from Webuye town and led to Chimoi where he was murdered and his motorbike taken.
His body which had serious injuries was dumped near Catholic Church at Chamavere, a few metres from Chimoi trading centre.
The two incidents impelled boda boda operators to paralyze transport activities along Webuye–Eldoret highway after they blocked the road at Ofusa area in protest before police intervened and calm was restored. The two bodies were removed and taken to Webuye mortuary as police launched an investigation into the incidents.