Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o suspended all boda boda operations in two estates following increased crime rates in the areas.
Boda boda operators in Milimani and Tom Mboya estates were forced to look for alternatives to ferry their customers in and out of the estates.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 3, the operators roaming the areas were urged to make prior arrangements with their clients to avoid being arrested.
"The city management has noted with concern rising cases of robberies with violence in Milimani and Tom Mboya where residents have complained of being mugged and their phones snatched by people riding on boda boda," read part of the notice signed by the City Manager Abala Wanga.
According to the letter, the drastic decision was prompted by an incident that occurred on Thursday, March 2 night, when a lady and her son were attacked in Milimani at 8.45 pm.
The notice referred to the County Government Act No 17, of 2012, Urban Areas and Cities (Amendment) Act, No 3 of 2019, and Physical Planning and Land Use Act, No 13 2019.
"A notice is hereby issued that any rider found operating in Milimani will be apprehended and legal action instituted against them," read part of the statement.
Furthermore, all boda boda operators were informed that all their sheds within Milimani in the area were rendered illegal.
"Those operating in those sheds should look for alternative spaces," the City Manager declared.
Cases of boda boda riders mugging members of the public were rampant not only in Kisumu but in other major cities like Nairobi.
In November 2022, Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, ordered police to deal with the miscreants terrorising residents.
"We cannot surrender this city to criminals. We will fish you out of your hideouts," he declared.
