NPS Rejects Claims Linking Boda Boda Riders to Burning of PSVs, Points to Criminal Gangs
The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims that boda boda riders are behind the recent wave of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) being set on fire across the country.
Police have instead blamed criminal elements who allegedly take advantage of protests and unrest to carry out the destructive acts.
Speaking on Monday, February 2, Senior Superintendent of Police Boniface Otieno explained that ongoing investigations have revealed a different picture from what is widely believed by the public.
He clarified that while boda boda riders are often blamed whenever such incidents occur, evidence gathered by police shows that organised criminals are largely responsible.
Otieno stated that these individuals deliberately infiltrate protests and chaotic situations to cause damage, loot, or advance their own criminal agendas.
According to him, police investigations have repeatedly uncovered cases where the attackers had no connection to boda boda operations.
“I want to make it very clear that it is not always boda boda riders involved,” Otieno said. “Our investigations have revealed in many ways that other criminals with bad intentions take advantage of these situations.”
The senior police officer also strongly rejected accusations that the government and police have failed to act on the matter. He insisted that the National Police Service has been actively responding to the incidents and that investigations are ongoing in multiple locations.
“It is not true that there is inaction by the police or the government, as has been suggested,” Otieno emphasized. “From where the National Police Service stands, a lot has already been done. Investigations are ongoing, and arrests have been made.”
As proof of progress, Otieno confirmed that three suspects have already been arrested in connection with the burning of a vehicle in Pangani, an incident that occurred about a week ago. He added that more arrests are expected as investigations continue.
He further encouraged members of the public who are concerned about the destruction of PSVs to visit their nearest police stations for updates on the status of the investigations. According to him, police are committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
These remarks come at a time of heightened tension within the public transport sector. Matatu operators recently announced a strike to protest the continued destruction of their vehicles, which they say has caused major financial losses and disrupted livelihoods.
Kushian Muchiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Public Transport Sector, revealed that more than 21 PSVs have been torched over the past three months alone.
He noted that the situation has become unbearable for operators, prompting the decision to down tools.
Muchiri explained that the strike was declared after repeated attempts to engage Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and other relevant government agencies failed to yield results.
However, he said recent discussions with Sacco leaders have opened the door for dialogue as a possible solution.
He added that engaging boda boda representatives and other stakeholders could help reduce tensions and address misunderstandings, while allowing authorities to focus on identifying and dealing with the real criminals behind the attacks.
The police have reiterated their commitment to restoring order and protecting public transport operators as investigations into the vehicle-burning incidents continue nationwide.
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