Taita Taveta County calls for arrest of boda boda rider killers

Mwachongo was killed by unknown assailants in Voi, Makongeni area. The attackers later escaped with his motorcycle.

Taita Taveta county government has urged law enforcement to confront the escalating menace of boda boda rider killings plaguing the region.

Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime noted the urgency of this call to action was necessitated by rampant killings of boda boda riders in the county.

This follows the recent tragic demise of Silas Silo Mwachongo who was described as a dedicated boda boda operator.

He is said to have been killed by unknown assailants in Voi, Makongeni area at night while working. The attackers later escaped with his motorcycle.

Delivering Mwadime’s condolences message at Silas's burial ceremony on Tuesday, at Chakaleri, Ronge Ward, Mwatate Sub County, CECM for Youth, Sports, Gender, Culture, and Social Services Shedrack Mutungi stressed the need for the immediate apprehension of those behind the killing and have them charged.

Recent killing

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, especially considering its proximity to a similar recent killing in the area.

"Our security apparatus must rise to the occasion. We demand that they diligently track, apprehend, and ensure the full force of the law is brought upon these perpetrators,” he said.

Echoing Mutungi's sentiments, CECM Finance Dawson Katuu underscored the collective determination of all stakeholders to ensure that the perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions.

“Security apparatus must rise to the occasion, track, apprehend, and legally pursue these crooks, we urge all security stakeholders to ensure the killers are brought to book.”

This took place barely weeks following another incident where a boda boda rider lost their life in the same vicinity.

“As the community mourns the loss of these cherished individuals, there is an unyielding resolve to seek justice and safeguard the lives of all residents, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on the perilous occupation of boda bodas to earn a living,” he said.

Mutungi said the governor's plea serves as a clarion call for swift and decisive action to stem the tide of violence and restore security to the region's streets.

Recently, Marrianah Shali, the mother of two was found murdered, and her body discarded in a quarry.