Boda boda criminals in Nairobi will be gunned down, warns Benson Kubue

Nairobi County police chief Benson Kibue on Sunday warned boda boda riders involved in crime that they would be gunned down.

He said some were armed and never hesitated to shoot at police officers and urged them to surrender their firearms.

“They acquired the guns illegally. We will not take action against those who willingly surrender them. We will not expose them too,” he said.

Mr Kibue was speaking during a service at ACK St Gertrude’s Church in Kasarani on Sunday.

“Some of these riders are operating with impunity. They have caused terror in residential areas,” Mr Kibue said.

He added that the criminals were using their ability to speed off after committing a robbery or murder to evade police.

CIVIL RIGHTS

“They should know that they are carrying death certificates as long as they have the illegal guns,” he added.

Many of the recent robberies in Nairobi, especially in upmarket areas, have been blamed on criminals riding motorbikes.

Some of the most affected areas are Kasarani, Parklands, Karen, Lang’ata and many parts of Eastlands.

Mr Kibue was also critical of civil rights organisations.

“We will not surrender to their pressure. We must get those guns if we don’t want Nairobi and surrounding areas to be ruled by criminals,” he said.

He urged boda boda riders to work within the hours stipulated by the National Transport and Safety Authority.

WARNED EMPLOYERS

He warned employers against employing house helps and guards who they do not have a thorough background check.

These, he said, are conniving with criminals in a trend that is becoming popular in leafy suburbs like Runda and Karen.

Five cases have been prosecuted within the last three months, said Mr Kibue, and reminded Nairobi residents to embrace the Nyumba Kumi initiative.

He also warned rogue police officers who cooperate with criminals to rob and persecute residents.

Present during the address were senior police officers from Kasarani who had attended the service purposely to address the congregation on security challenges affecting them.