Badaboda Operators in Kaptembwa have launched a manhunt for a middle aged man believed to be behind the increased cases of motorcycle theft in the area.
The man, who escaped a lynching attempt by a mob in the area on Sunday by running to Kaptembwa police station has gone into hiding since the incident.
Speaking to journalists at Kaptwembwa on Tuesday, the operators claimed that the man has been liaising with a local businessman whom sells the motorcycle’s spare parts.
“We have received numerous reports that once he plots the stealing of a bike and succeeds, he dismantles it and takes the parts to a prominent businessman who then sells the parts to unsuspecting customers,” said Jacob Otieno, a bodaboda operator.
Otieno accused the local police of shielding the thief who was well known in the area.
Joseph Mwangi, a bodaboda operator, called for speedy investigations to the cartels that were behind the stealing of the motorbikes.
“We can no longer operate at late hours due to the increased insecurity and the high chances of being kidnapped and mugged,” he said.
Area Member of County Assembly Dan Ambale promised to look into the issue.
“We assure the residents that we will get to the bottom of this and ensure that those behind the activities are arrested and charged for robbery,” he said.