Kirinyaga County Police Commander Nelson Taliti has assured the public and transport service providers that the National Police Service is committed to enhancing security for boda boda operators in the county.

The assurance comes of the back of a disturbing surge in motorcycle theft reported in Kutus town and surrounding areas.

Speaking during a meeting between county security teams and boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operators from Kutus town, Taliti assured the riders that law enforcement agencies were scaling up coordinated operations, intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms to protect people and businesses.

The meeting, which drew hundreds of riders from different travel points, offered a platform for operators to voice their security concerns, share personal experiences and seek improved collaboration with security agencies in tackling the growing threat.

During the forum, the boda boda riders expressed frustration over the rise in motorcycle theft, which they said is a threat to their safety. They were also frustrated their earnings had dipped.

The operators, led by local Kutus Boda Association Chairman Patrick Waweru said motorcycle theft had evolved into a sophisticated organised crime, with thieves striking late-night or when the riders are off-duty.

Waweru explained that the surge in robbery of motorcycles is driven by multiple factors, among them, the high demand for second-hand motorbikes or spare part in the region.

He said the most buyers now preferred used bikes owing to high cost of new motorcycle sand spare-parts. The second-hand market is a lucrative avenue for stolen units to be disposal of discreetly, he pointed out.

“The theft is compounded by the existence of many motorcycle spare-parts shops found all over Kirinyaga County. Some of these shops have been found in possession of suspicious parts during police operations.

Police investigations have revealed that the motorcycles were dismembered and spare-parts sold to second-hand parts dealers,” the chairman said.

He noted that the criminals have established networks for dismantling stolen motorcycles and distributing the parts to unsuspecting or complicit spare-part businessman, which makes it difficult to recover their property.

Waweru said from their observations, the rise theft point to the possibility of organised criminal groups that are now targeting boda boda riders, especially those that operate late at night or in less protected areas.

“I appeal to the police to strengthen intelligence-sharing with riders, noting that timely access to such information can avert theft, save lives and support faster recovery of stolen motorcycles,” Waweru said.

The boda boda operators have appealed to county security teams to increase night patrols, particularly along routes that riders frequently use when returning home from work. They also called for enhanced collaboration with businesses equipped with CCTV cameras, saying the footage can support investigations and evidence gathering.

Riders that have been targets of motorcycle theft shared their harrowing experiences at the hands of the robbers. Among them was Benson Mwangi, whose motorbike was stolen on May 6, 2025. Mwangi explained that he arrived at home late in the evening and, due to exhaustion and the late hour, decided to park his motorcycle just outside his room. He said he ensured that the apartment gate was securely closed before proceeding to bed.

However, when he woke up the following morning, the motorcycle was missing. Mwangi immediately contacted his service provider who had installed a tracking device on the bike. Upon activation, the tracker indicated that the motorcycle was already on the move towards Meru County.

He reported the incident at Kutus Police Station but felt that response came late. Seeking further assistance, he proceeded to Kianyaga Police Station, where he reported the matter to the DCIO. The DCIO contacted officers in Meru, which led to the recovery of the motorcycle at Mutuati Police Station.

Mwangi later travelled to Meru to identify the motorcycle and confirmed it as his. He praised the efforts by the Kianyaga and Meru police teams but urged officers at all stations to act more swiftly whenever riders reported such incidents.

He encouraged fellow riders to secure their motorcycles with advanced anti-theft devices and to support one another by sharing information promptly. “We must be our brother’s keeper,” he said.

Another rider, James Mithamo, also narrated his ordeal, which h said caused him psychological and financial stress. He said retrieving a stolen motorcycle is often a long, tiresome process and only a few riders were lucky enough to recover their bikes.

County Commander Taliti said the police service is fully committed to addressing the concerns raised by riders. He noted that boda boda operators play a vital role in transport and local business sectors.

Taliti said the service providers deserve security and his office will be on hand to ensure they operate freely in a safe environment. He vowed to deal with the criminals ruthlessly.

Taliti told the riders to adopt personal safety measures, including being cautious about where they parked their motorcycles and remaining alert, especially when working late into the night. He said investigations into recent theft had revealed that in some cases, there is insider involvement or collusion among riders.

He urged riders to report suspicious behaviour among colleagues and to cooperate with law enforcement officers to dismantle criminal networks.

Taliti told the transporters to register groups and Saccos to enhance accountability, making it easier for police to verify identities, monitor operations and detect outsiders who may infiltrate the sector for criminal purposes. He noted that Saccos also can enable riders to benefit from structured leadership, regulated conduct, joint security arrangements and better communication channels with the police.

Taliti reminded all operators to ensure they possess requisite documents, including riding licences, logbooks, insurance papers and other legal authorisation saying compliance not only enhanced personal accountability but also helped police differentiate genuine riders from criminal elements.

He urged riders to wear proper protective gear such as helmets and reflector jackets, noting that such measures improved safety and visibility, especially during night-time operations.

The county commander reassured riders that they could report incidents to any nearest police station, regardless of administrative boundaries. He said no rider should be denied assistance simply because the crime occurred in a different sub county. Taliti stressed that immediate reporting increases the chances of recovering stolen motorcycles and disrupting criminal activities early.

Commander Taliti also cautioned riders against engaging in drug abuse, drug trafficking or any illegal activities. He said such behaviour compromised the safety of riders and their passengers and created an environment that criminals exploit.

He urged riders to embrace discipline and professionalism, saying these qualities are essential for strengthening trust between the sector and the security agencies.

With the December festive season approaching, the commander warned that crime often escalate during the period because of increased movement and financial transactions. He encouraged riders to be extra-vigilant, avoid isolated routes late at night and report any unusual activities immediately.

Boda boda leaders promised to collaborate with the police and committed to educating their members on security measures, encouraging registration through organised groups and supporting prompt reporting of suspicious activities.

They also requested the police to continue engaging them through regular security barazas, saying coordinated efforts between the two groups would significantly reduce the theft cases.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By David Wandeto