Mlolongo bodaboda operators are crying foul over alleged harassment by police officers whom they claim are asking them for bribes failure to which they are illegally arrested, framed for non-existing crimes and taken to court and charged.
Agitated riders held peaceful protests camping at the Athi-river Deputy County Commissioner’s office gates demanding justice against rogue police officers.
According to the riders, rogue police officers have been terrorizing them day and night arresting tens of riders without an explanation of the arrest.
They further claim upon arrest those who can afford a Ksh1,000 bribe are unconditionally released and others are branded as theft suspects.
“We have conducted a peaceful protest to condemn some rogue police officers who are terrorizing us. We no longer work for our living and families, our bodaboda business has become a police cash cow. The involved police officers are demanding unreasonable amounts of bribes. The amount being asked is more than what we are making in a day, “Alex Mutuku, Mlolongo bodaboda chairman claimed.
Agitated riders say with the tough economic times and high cost of fuel, they can barely afford a meal expressing fear that if the unlawful arrests are not addressed, the bodaboda sector is under threat.
They appeal to the top security agents to intervene in the matter and ensure rogue officers are tamed.
“We want our confiscated motorbikes released and detained riders released. We also see a trend where riders are arrested and detained more than the stipulated days in what is said to be given time to look for bribes, “John Nyagesa a rider claimed.
PHOTO/Christina Musa
According to the Sub-county police commander in charge Anderson Mbai, the major crackdown carried out in the town was a normal security check and compliance assessment.
Mbai says the arrests were based on lack of insurance, driving license and compliance.
“The riders should feel free to report any person they accuse of harassing them. Verbal blanket blame cannot help us as security agents resolve the matter. I want to reassure them information given will be treated with confidence. We have noted the allegations and taken them seriously, “Mbai said.
Mbai further called on the riders to be vigilant on security matters and report any suspicious characters compromising the safety of Kenyans at large.
“When we conduct security checks among riders, it is for the safety and safety of the customers. We also remind the riders that they have a key part to play in enhancing security by reporting crime incidences and suspicious characters. Police are not meant nor are they allowed to harass riders or any Kenyan but to maintain law and order, “he added.