Sakaja Issues Tough Rules In Response To Killer Boda Boda Gangs

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has cracked the whip on boda boda riders accused of aiding and abetting the rising cases of criminal activities reported in the city and within the county.

Speaking to the media after attending a church service at AIPCA Dandora on Sunday, November 13, Sakaja named directives by the government to ensure that all boda boda operators are registered with details of the area of operations.

All riders, as a result, will have to wear reflector jackets that will contain details of their specific drop-off points and where they operate.

The governor added that his administration would ensure that all rogue boda boda riders who have been spoiling the name of the whole sector will be adequately dealt with.

"People engaged in the boda-boda sector are not thieves, there could be one or two elements who are tarnishing the name of the sector. Once we have registered all of them, the riders will have reflector jackets that will have their area of operation.

"When the riders come to town, they will have drop-off points and specific drop-off stages. We have already started the process," he stated.

During the church service, he narrated how he lost a close friend in their hands to the criminal gangs that have been terrorizing Nairobi residents while vowing to end the menace.

"I lost my friend two weeks ago after he was stabbed to death," Sakaja told the congregants at the church without revealing details about the friend.

While expressing his concern regarding the engagement of the boda boda riders in crime, Sakaja urged parents to advise their youth against engaging in crime or the law catches up to them.

Additional measures he has taken to end the rampant crime in the city is banning hawkers and street families from conducting business on footbridges within the city, further noting that some of the gang members are using the footbridges as hideouts and operational bases before they pounce on innocent victims.

"To make sure that there is security there were street families that were staying there and we have cleared them, we have cleaned the bridge, the fire department has come with its pipes and nobody will be allowed to conduct business to live on our bridges and fly-overs." 

"If you want a space for trade we will find you a space for trade but not in a public utility like that," he added.

He had previously engaged with Inspector General, Japhet Koome in a bid to end the crime menace in the city.