More than 50 youths were arrested in Thika today for operating bodaboda motorcycles without licenses or insurance.
Confirming the incident, Thika traffic commandant Benjamin Kiprotich they had launched a crackdown in partnership with the deputy county commissioner Jeremiah Gicheru. They did so after reports that various bodaboda operations were alleged to be operated without valid licenses.
The officer said they received a tip-off from a boda boda cyclist who wanted to remain anonymous as he feared for his safety. The informant had said that the operators didn’t have the skill but still rushed customers and injured them. The informant said that this carelessness was damaging the market for those with licenses.
Kiandutu Youth Motorcycle was among the major Saccos that were apprehended in the probe conducted by the officers.
“We have managed to arrest 57 youths who have been operating in this town as bodaboda operators but did not have the licenses thus putting the lives of the roads users and their customers at risk. We will arraign them in court tomorrow and still continue with the crackdown to make sure that the boda boda industry is safe and polished,” The officer explained.