Boda boda riders complain of police harassment

Boda boda riders in Githongo, Imenti Central, have accused the police of harassment and using crude methods to arrest them. PHOTO | DAVID MUCHUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Makini Boda Boda Sacco chairman Lawi Murithi said the police officers have been demanding up to Sh5,000 in bribes.
  • He said the boda boda riders have vowed to resist corruption and had last year tipped anti-corruption sleuths who arrested three police officers while collecting bribes.
  • Abothuguchi West Ward Representative said there were increased cases of police harassment on boda boda riders in the area.

Boda boda riders in Githongo, Imenti Central have accused the police of harassment and using crude methods to arrest them.

The riders who boycotted business for the better part of the day Thursday said police officers from Githongo Police Post have been laying ambush and abruptly blocking the road with a vehicle.

They claimed that the officers have also been demanding bribes to release impounded motorbikes.

Makini Boda Boda Sacco chairman Lawi Murithi said the police officers have been demanding up to Sh5,000 in bribes.

“The police officers who are supposed to deal with security issues are putting up roadblocks during peak hours to demand bribes. They have been risking the lives of riders by blocking moving motorbikes with their vehicle,” Mr Murithi said.

RESIST CORRUPTION

He said the boda boda riders have vowed to resist corruption and had last year tipped anti-corruption sleuths who arrested three police officers while collecting bribes.

“We have tightened regulations to ensure all riders observe the law which has reduced crime and accidents. We resisted every attempt to pay bribes to police officers and are ready to be arraigned in court. The police should lawfully deal with suspects instead of harassing business people,” he said.

Abothuguchi West Ward Representative said there were increased cases of police harassment on boda boda riders in the area.

“Police should conduct themselves in a humane way to avoid risking lives. Those who breach traffic regulations should be arrested but not harassed. If the police officers do not reform, we will demand for their removal,” Mr Kiogora said.

Kariene OCS Francis Weswa, who addressed the riders said a police officer should stop a moving vehicle of motorcycle using the hand sign but not blocking the road.
“No police officer is allowed to block the way for a moving motorcycle or hurl an object to stop it. We will look into the claims to establish what has been happening,” Mr Weswa said.