Lugari sub-county criminal investigations department is working on a raft of measures aimed at curbing crime linked to boda-boda business in the region.
According to area Criminal Investigations Officer (SCIO), Mr. Joseph Katsungu, the measures will include, removing all unlicensed operators and motorcycles without logbooks from the road, mandatory registration of all boda-boda operators under-recognized Saccos and strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations.
“These measures are aimed at eradicating criminal activities connected with the boda-boda industry, especially theft, murder, and rape, that have rocked several parts of Lugari sub-county recently,” remarked Katsungu.
Mwamba, Majengo and Turbo villages are among the worst villages hit by a wave of criminal activities where several homesteads have lost property worth thousands of shillings with a number of residents being left with serious injuries.
The criminal investigations boss regretted that since inception and subsequent flourishing of the boda-boda industry, there has been a steady increase in cross-border crime between Kakamega and her northern hemisphere counties, which include Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia.
“My department is investigating well connected criminal networks that have been masterminding high-level crimes in Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties,” disclosed the SCIO, adding that the gangs have an elaborate syndicated network working across the three counties.
Katsungu blamed the operators for enabling the thugs to coordinate their criminal activities within the said counties, either knowingly or unknowingly.
He particularly expressed his disappointment over the group’s involvement in the trafficking of illicit brews, besides ferrying gangs of robbers and murderers to and from their target destinations.
“We have enough evidence implicating boda-boda riders in cross-border theft, murder, rape and other crime related vices,” noted Katsungu.
The official said his officers have made some progress in fighting the vice.
“We have so far impounded several motorbikes with fake logbooks, most of them traced to Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and other counties,” he added.
“In fact, several motorbike owners in Lugari Sub County are currently in law courts answering to charges of handling stolen property,” remarked the official.
The official emphasized that no boda-boda rider will be allowed on the road without valid driving license and an authenticated logbook once the proposed measures are in place.
“This will go a long way in addressing the problem of theft involving motorbikes,” said Katsungu.
“In the meantime, all boda-boda riders will be expected to operate between 5am and 8pm daily,” directed the SCIO.