Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has moved to address the rising cases of crime within the country, particularly associated with boda boda riders who have been accused of aiding and abetting criminal activities in the city.
While addressing the media after attending a church service at AIPCA Dandora on Sunday, November 13, Sakaja noted that the government is working to ensure all boda boda riders are registered with details of their area of operations.
Subsequently, all riders will be required to wear reflector jackets that will have details of where they operate and specific drop-off points.
The governor added that his administration will crack the whip on the unscrupulous boda boda riders who are tarnishing the name of the entire sector.
"People engaged in the boda-boda sector are not thieves, there could be one or two elements who are tarnishing the name of the sector. Once we have registered all of them, the riders will have reflector jackets that will have their area of operation.
"When the riders come to town, they will have drop-off points and specific drop-off stages. We have already started the process," he stated.
In addition, Sakaja banned hawkers and street families from conducting business on footbridges within the city.
The governor affirmed that a section of the criminal gangs use the footbridges as hideouts and operational bases before they pounce on unsuspecting victims.
"To make sure that there is security there were street families that were staying there and we have cleared them, we have cleaned the bridge, the fire department has come with its pipes and nobody will be allowed to conduct business to live on our bridges and fly-overs."
"If you want a space for trade we will find you a space for trade but not in a public utility like that," he pointed out.
During the church service, Sakaja noted that he lost one of his close friends who was stabbed to death due to the rise in criminal cases in the CBD.
He affirmed that he would engage with Inspector General, Japhet Koome in a bid to curb the cases and restore order in Nairobi.
"Just spoken to the new Inspector General of Police. We have agreed to meet and share solutions and tasks in restoring order and security in Nairobi. Security may be a National Function but it’s our shared responsibility. We will support our officers as they protect our people," Sakaja noted.
The news comes amidst the rise in criminal activities particularly in areas considered hotspots including Moi Avenue, Luthuli Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway among others.
