Aasai

BODA BODA operators in various parts of the country have been taking the law into their own hands by torching vehicles, causing huge losses. In the past week, three such incidents have been reported in Makongeni, Thika, Luanda town, Vihiga County and on the Thika highway, near Juja town. On Sunday, violence broke out in Makongeni, Thika after two operators were shot by a Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officer.

 In retaliation, angry boda boda operators turned up in large numbers and blocked the road before torching the officer’s Audi. In Luanda city in western Kenya, boda boda operators once again went on a rampage and torched a matatu that allegedly hit and killed one of their colleagues.

 A similar incident occurred on the Thika highway when a Super Metro bus was torched after being involved in an accident that resulted in the death of a boda boda operator.

 Passengers travelling on the bus escaped unharmed but the companys management suffered losses amounting to millions of shillings. The Public Transport Operators Association (MMOA), led by its Secretary General, Mr Wilfred Bosire, has condemned the incidents, describing them as a violation of the law and a threat to the countrys transport sector. "Such acts of lawlessness should not be allowed to occur.

 It is a great crime for some people to burn vehicles that serve thousands of people and contribute significantly to the efficiency of the transport sector. Such people should be taken to court," said MMOA Secretary General, Mr Wilfred Bosire. He accused security officials of remaining silent while the barbarity was allowed to continue. "Within a week, we have witnessed three cases of vehicles being burned.

 But it is surprising that we have not seen any information from the Inspector General of Police, the Minister of Security and the DCI. Not a single suspect has been arrested in connection with these cases of lawlessness," Mr Bosire explained. The MMOA leader warned that if the government fails to act, transport operators will be forced to hire security guards for their vehicles and passengers. “We are giving the Inspector General of Police the opportunity to address this challenge. Otherwise, we will have no choice but to find our own security guards on the roads,” Mr Bosire warned.

 He dismissed claims by some bodaboda operators that their actions are a way of protecting themselves after an accident. “Anyone who says that is a criminal. No one has a license to commit crimes in this country,” Mr Bosire said.