Kisumu deregisters all boda boda saccos over killings
What you need to know:
- The move followed the recent killing of four people, among them two boda boda riders linked to one of the organisations, who were accused of terrorising their colleagues and engaging in crime.
- The decision to deregister the organisations followed a meeting between Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o, members of Parliament from Kisumu and the security team.
Kisumu County's security team has deregistered all boda boda saccos and other organisations and ordered their accounts frozen immediately until a new structure to govern the sector's operations is put in place.
The move followed the recent killing of four people, among them two boda boda riders linked to one of the organisations, who were accused of terrorising their colleagues and engaging in crime.
The incident took place after alleged members of a group known as the Kisumu County Boda Boda Association attacked a rider on Friday night.
Two other people, among at least 10 who were injured in the incident, later succumbed to their injuries.
COUNTY MEETING
The decision to deregister the organisations followed a meeting between Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o, members of Parliament from Kisumu and the security team.
According to the directive by the security team, all registration certificates issued in respect of the CBOs are to be surrendered to the office the County Director of Social Development by 5pm.
Governor Nyongó said the action was taken following the disturbing news of the "senseless murder" of riders, crimes which he said were by criminals masquerading as members of the association.
“This is a clear indication that the boda boda sector has been hijacked by external forces to carry out criminal activities," he told the meeting on Monday.
"In view of this, the County Security Committee together with the county political leadership held a meeting and made certain resolutions. The County Director of Social Development is directed to de-register all the boda boda CBOs, saccos and associations within the county with immediate effect.”
ACCUSATIONS
The association has officials at the county level and branches in almost all sub-counties.
It has been accused of extorting money from the riders and forcefully seizing their motorcycles.
Seized motorcycles are held at their offices and only released after the riders pay a fee.
Investigations by the Nation have revealed a well-connected, organised and funded group of riders that operates with impunity.
It is said that members of the association are forced to join merry-go-rounds, with those who decline facing the wrath of the group often armed with weapons such as knives, pangas, batons, bows and arrows.
There are also claims that the group is hired to solve domestic rows through threats and intimidation.
Its officials and some members were detained at Kondele Police Station for investigations.
POLICE RAID
On Saturday, irate members of the public, led by MCA Joachim Oketch and police, stormed the association's offices and vandalised it following the killings.
During the raid, police arrested 10 members of the group and found 10 motorcycles and weapons including batons, bows and arrows.
Kisumu now plans to come up with a new structure for the sector, organise and oversee its elections elections in accordance with the County Transport Act.
“The County Director of Social Development is hereby directed to communicate to all the banks the decision suspending transactions of all boda boda CBOs’ accounts,” said the governor.
While warning of arrests, Prof Nyong'o stressed that the boda boda operates must adhere to the Traffic Act.
He also asked police to expedite investigations into the murders linked to the group and ensure the culprits are brought to book.
“I take this opportunity to commend boda boda operators who are law-abiding and who cooperate with authorities in ensuring the sector is managed in accordance to both county and national government laws,” said the county boss.
