Boda boda riders especially in Nairobi have been known to facilitate crime around the Central Business District something that has made them an enemy of the county government which wants to ban them from the city center.
However, in Thika East, the script has changed and tables turned around after a boda boda rider was found dead with his body dumped in Mugaga Forest.
The rider identified as, Moses Nduati went missing last week on Saturday after he was last seen ferrying two men believed to be neighbours. Mr. Nduati failed to ‘end trip’ as he did not reach his destination. The attackers stole the motorbike after smashing Nduati’s head with a stone and later dumped his body in a pit in the forest.
The Area MCA Joseph Khaira today visited the scene and gave the authorities one week to arrest the culprits.
“If the police will not have brought these culprits to book before the burial date, I will lead residents to capture the suspects because we know them and their hideout,” said Khaira.
The MCA cautioned residents not to cover up for criminals and urged them to instead report them to the authorities. He also asked the Thika Member of Parliament, Patrick Wainaina to put up a police post in the area and provide two vehicles for patrol.
Nduati’s father Peter Ngugi, said the family had been searching for their son since Saturday when they were told his body had been found in the forest. Mr. Ngugi said that although his son’s motorbike was new and not fitted with a number plate, the murderers were known.
Residents of the area lamented over the incident and said that crime in the area is rampant adding that drugs were sold in the forest.
However, Thika East OCPD, Julius Kyumbule denied claims that drugs were being peddled in the forest and further explained that police had vital leads on the killers who he said would soon be arrested. The police further appealed to locals to remain calm.
The body of the slain Moses Nduati was taken to Thika Level 5 Hospital mortuary.
With the increasing crimes that have affected boda boda riders and even taxi drivers, what measures do you think ought to be taken to ensure the safety of these?