Theft
A concern has been raised over an upsurge in motorbike thefts within Kapenguria Town in West Pokot County. Most of the stolen motorcycles are yet to be recovered although the boda boda riders and police are on the lookout to unearth what is being claimed to be a theft syndicate.
According to a report at the West Pokot Sub County boda boda office, a total of 72 motorbikes have gone missing since the year began causing panic amongst boda boda riders and owners. West Pokot Sub County Boda boda chairman Augustine Tomunyo hinted that some boda boda riders themselves are colluding in organising motorbike thefts.
“No one can come from outside to steal our motorbikes, the deal is among the riders themselves. The ongoing boda boda theft is a technicality where people pretend to be customers and later disappear with the bikes. Recently there was an idle man at the Makutano main stage who stayed there for three days and escaped with a motorbike,” said Tomunyo.
He said that the theft happens day and night and called on the security officers to come to their help to contain the situation. “We are doing investigations but we have not got much support from the police,” he alleged.
“These motorbikes are our means of livelihood. Many of us have worked hard to buy them, and some we acquired on loans. Five motorbikes have been stolen in the Bendera area in the last one month,” said Raphel Kibet, a boda boda rider. Meanwhile, the locals have initiated public awareness programmes on motorcycle theft prevention, and other joint security measures residents can partake to safeguard their property.
Boda boda riders waiting for customers in Kapenguria town on Thursday 29, August, 2024.
Residents are also calling for increased security surveillance in the area to curb the emerging motorbike theft trends. West Pokot Sub County Police Commander (OCPD) Richard Omanga said that there is a motorbike syndicate in the area and police are on the lookout to unearth it.
He said that many people steal motorbikes from outside and bring them in the area calling on residents to be vigilant. Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto who also raised the alarm earlier, said there seems to be a motorbike theft syndicate in the area because the number of lost bikes is too high within that short period.
Dr Moroto called on the government to move with speed to address the issue before it gets out of hand giving a one-week ultimatum to the security apparatus to give findings on the matter. The MP claimed that security officers have been neglecting matters of sensitivity, asking them to share findings on the matter with members of the public.
He issued an ultimatum to those behind the syndicate to surrender themselves to the authorities noting that those involved are non-residents working with some criminal elements within the town. Moroto said that they have information on the alleged suspects that have robbed locals off their motorbikes.
“We know what has been going on and we shall soon crack down on thieves. We must end this menace and it calls for a lot of collaborations,” said the MP. The furious MP said that if the government fails to contain them then he himself will mobilise the community to protect their property by all means.