The new look of traffic law enforcement countrywide is quite nothing like you have seen before.
If you think city matatu operators are rogue, you may not have encountered boda-boda riders in their worst element.
The riders have become the de facto manifestation of a chaotic city, where thuggery characterises everyday life on the streets.Riding on a boda-boda is a convenient and quicker means to get to places across the capital. But perching on a motorbike these days is a frightful experience that could land you either in a county cell, hospital or even mortuary.
An administration police officer has been admitted at Tenwek Mission Hospital in critical condition after a boda boda rider ran over her
The officer who was manning a road block a long Silibwet-Litein road was trying to flag down the boda boda operator when she was hit. Confirming the incident, Bomet OCPD Samson Rukunga said the rider was trying to escape to avoid arrest in the ongoing traffic crackdown. Rukunga said the rider also sustained injuries and was taken to Silibwet Dispensary and discharged. “The police officer is out of danger and is responding to treatment,” said the OCPD. The female officer attached to Silibwet AP post lost consciousness after being hit.
The rider went into hiding after receiving first aid at the dispensary. Rukunga however said a man hunt has been launched for the rider. “We are looking for him to ensure he faces charges. He is known to the officer and once she is out of hospital she will help with investigation,” added the OCPD.
The incident comes hot on the heels after fracas was witnessed at Mulot market when bodaboda operators tried to oppose the ongoing crackdown.
The operators engaged police in running battles demanding officers to stop the ongoing crackdown. The incident also comes in the wake of growing incidents of attacks on police officers while on duty.
Traffic police are not corrupt it is Kenyans matatu drivers bodaboda riders who fuel corruption why not pay the fine and move on? It is not the end of the world
— Gotovk (@Gotovk1) November 28, 2018
Meanwhile, more than 500 operators have been arrested within Bomet since the start of the crackdown.
Police say most of them are riders operating without insurance and driving licence. Bomet County Commissioner Geoffrey Omonding said despite the growing hostility on police they will continue enforcing the Michuki Rules. Omonding asked operators within the county to comply with the laws in order to avoid friction with police.
How can bodaboda riders be regulated?