The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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More than 1,300 boda boda riders in Nyeri town are living in fear following a wave of violent incidents carried out by a criminal gang targeting both riders and passengers.
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The attackers have not only assaulted victims but have also gone as far as setting motorcycles on fire.
The group is said to be operating in Witemere, Blue Valley, and Majengo slums—areas that have now become no-go zones for many riders due to the escalating danger.
At least three boda boda riders are currently hospitalized at Nyeri Provincial Hospital and Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital after suffering serious injuries in separate attacks.
According to Nyeri County Boda Boda Chairman Charles Ndegwa, the violence began when a rider was ambushed in Witemere and his motorbike set ablaze. In response, some boda boda operators reportedly conducted a retaliatory search and lynched two suspected gang members.
The gang allegedly struck again during the funeral of the murdered rider, assaulting three more operators, who were also seriously injured and taken to hospital.
“The atmosphere is tense. Our members are afraid to operate in these zones, and it’s impacting their ability to earn a living,” Ndegwa told reporters. He called on law enforcement to move swiftly and ensure safety is restored.
Nyeri Central Police Commander Muturi Mbogo confirmed the disturbances and said that security operations had been launched in the affected neighborhoods.
“We’ve ramped up patrols and are actively tracking individuals believed to be involved in the gang’s activities,” said Mbogo. “Several suspects have been identified, and we are pursuing them.”
The string of attacks has sparked alarm over rising insecurity in Nyeri’s informal settlements, with boda boda riders demanding stronger measures to safeguard both themselves and their customers.
