Police in Likoni Sub-County, Mombasa county, have released more than fifteen motorcycles, which had been arrested for traffic offences.
Speaking from Shikaadabu Chief's camp today, Likoni Sub-County traffic base commander, chief inspector Salma, said the move was in accordance to President William Ruto's order for the immediate release of motorcycles impounded but not tied to any criminal investigations
The Head of State had directed the Ministry of Interior and the Inspector-General of Police to oversee the release of the motorcycles within seven days, effectively granting amnesty to thousands of operators whose bikes have been held at police stations across the country, many for months or years without prosecution.
The meeting was attended by different stakeholders, including police, area chiefs, members of the community policing and Boda-Boda officials
The officer commanding Inuka police station, Jesse Okiru, who led the meeting, urged the Boda-Boda officials to embrace the new government reforms to help curb crime in the area and enhance accountability within the boda boda sector.
Okiru said the new reforms required all riders to wear a specific uniform and display unique identification numbers on their motorcycles.
The OCS noted that the uniform and details will help in identifying riders more easily and bring greater order and lost dignity to the sector.
Besides crime, Likoni sub-county traffic base commander inspector Salma Menza accused boda boda operators of being judgemental, jury, and executioners whenever accidents occur, emphasising that investigation and law enforcement belongs exclusively to police and other authorized agencies.
CI Menza also warned the riders against interfering with accident scenes, saying interfering with traffic accidents was denying justice to victims of the accidents.
The riders agreed that every boda boda operator will now be wearing an Orange reflector with unique identification numbers written at the back in black
According to the officials, Orange is a distinctive colour for Likoni sub-county meant to make it impossible for riders to blend in anonymously across different areas.
Beyond uniforms, the officials were told to ensure all members of each stage are at least 18 years old, hold valid driving licenses, possess certificates of good conduct, and carry two helmets.
The police also issued registration forms, which operators in all stage will fill their details for easier identification and tracing.
It was agreed that copies of the filled forms will later be shared with the area chief, officer commanding Inuka police station (OCS) and Likoni sub-county traffic base commander.
Likoni sub-county boda boda chairman Suleiman Bakari advised all riders in Likoni to join SACCOs along with stage chamas, saying these financial groups are designed to instil discipline and create a support structure that encourages responsible behaviour.
Suleiman, however, noted that he recognized that many boda boda operators in Likoni are trying to make an honest living.
"The requirement to join SACCOs will help in creating financial stability and opportunities for riders to build legitimate businesses as many will be able to own their own motorcycles." Suleiman added
The Motorist Association of Kenya recently raised an alarm of an increment in lawlessness within the bodaboda sector across the country, citing incidents in Juja and Luanda where vehicles were stoned or torched after accidents.
The association also noted that pedestrians had also fallen victim to violent gangs of riders who take justice into their own hands.
