HURIA executive director Yusuf Lule and a section of bodaboda operators in Kisauni at a past event. [Photo/ Maxwell Ngala].
Police in Kisauni have asked bodaboda operators in the area to exercise caution following the emergence of criminal gangs pausing as passengers.The warning comes after James Kaingu, a bodaboda operator, was shot dead by criminals who paused as passengers at Zeituni Bashir area in Bamburi.Kisauni police boss Christopher Rotich said police have discovered a syndicate of criminals in the area who pause as passengers before attacking the operators.“They hijack, kill the bodaboda operators and later take off with their motorbikes,” said Rotich.Rotich said the trend has resulted in fear among bodaboda operators in the county who are now calling for police protection as they conduct their businesses.“It is a bit difficult for us to differentiate between passengers and criminals. We urge the operators to be extra careful to avoid being targeted,” he added.Rotich said police have launched a manhunt for the gang which they suspect has been terrorising locals in different areas of Kisauni.Rotich said they suspect the criminals are part of the Wakali Kwanza and Wakali Wao gangs.The police boss asked the operators to ensure they know each other well and avoid working late in the night since most criminals carry out their attacks as around 12am.