Nakuru boda boda riders struggle to rebuild trust amid crime surge

It’s been four days since the tragic shooting incident at Ngata Bridge, which claimed a man’s life. When Mtaa Wangu visited the Arap Chumo Estate—where the incident unfolded—the tension was still palpable.

Speaking with residents, many shared that they are still grappling with the unsettling reality that two members of their community were attacked. Understandably, the atmosphere remains tense.

“By around 7 p.m., most businesses are shut, and people are rushing home. You’d think a curfew had been imposed,” one resident told us.

For boda boda riders operating in the area, the situation has become particularly challenging. Many say they’re now viewed with suspicion by locals who associate them with criminal activity.

Allan Otieno, a rider who serves routes across Arap Chumo, Baraka Estate, and Kabasis, shares his frustrations.

“Even before the shooting, we were constantly under the microscope. Many residents already believed that boda boda riders were behind most of the insecurity in this area,” he says.

Otieno explains that gaining the trust of residents has always been an uphill battle.

“It’s tough to operate in residential areas. People are wary of us, and some openly say we’re linked to most crimes around here.”

He adds that things have only worsened since the recent incident near the 1:59 Hotel. “Moving around has become more difficult. Everywhere we go, people are watching us closely. There’s definitely a shift in attitude toward us.”

Still, Otieno emphasizes that majority of the riders are honest, hardworking individuals simply trying to earn a living. 

“Yes, there may be a few bad apples among us, but that doesn’t define the entire community.”

Samuel Munyiri, the boda boda chairperson in Nakuru County, acknowledges that recent crimes involving motorcycles have cast a shadow over the entire sector.

“It’s heart-breaking that some people are using motorbikes for criminal purposes. These incidents have painted all boda boda riders in bad light, even though most of us are just trying to do our jobs.”

To address the growing concerns, Munyiri reveals that the leadership is initiating a county-wide registration of riders.

 “With support from the County Commissioner’s office and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), we’re rolling out a formal registration process for all riders. Which will be mandatory.”

He adds that most legitimate riders operate from designated stages and are known within their communities. “The criminals are usually outsiders—people who come into the estates on motorcycles to commit these awful acts. They don’t represent the real boda boda operators.”

In the past two weeks alone, there have been six reported robbery cases in Nakuru, all believed to have involved motorcycles as the getaway means of transport.