Bodaboda Riders Arrested For Torching Kisii DG's Vehicle

At least three boda boda riders suspected to have burnt down the vehicle of Kisii Deputy Governor (DG) Joash Maangi have been arrested.

The government-issued car was razed down by a rowdy mob on Wednesday evening, February 17, at Ololunga, Narok County on the Bomet-Narok Road.

The car hit and killed a bodaboda rider identified as John Saanyo and his seven-year-old son while they were riding on a motorcycle. The accident occurred when Maangi was traveling from Kisii to Nairobi.

Maangi and two aides escaped unhurt, with the Kisii Deputy county leader later stating that he almost died during the incident.

The unruly riders were reported to have chanted "hustler" slogans while Maangi's car went up in flames. Kisii County Communications Director Isaac Victor Ongiri cautioned riders against being manipulated by politicians to spread hatred.

“The county government, therefore, warns all the Boda Boda riders to refrain from being used by Politicians to settle political scores in exchange for small tokens. And anyone caught, stern action will be taken against him/her,” warned Ongiri.

He further added that the Kisii count government had placed the bodaboda rider on the wrong.

“We have also established that the Boda Boda rider was overtaking at a blind corner and was also not wearing a helmet or a reflector and yet it was already dark. His motorbike was also lacking an indication light that would have shown his intention to take the corner,” he stated.

He however promised that the Kisii county leadership would compensate the family of the deceased bodaboda rider and make necessary arrangements for his burial.

The accident comes a day after he was set free following his arrest during the funeral service of former Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae.