BY SHABAN OMAR
Boda boda riders in Kwale County have demanded the immediate arrest and interdiction of police officers accused of brutally assaulting one of their colleagues on Tuesday morning at Mwagwesheni in Shimba Hills Sub-county.
The incident, which has since sparked outrage, was captured on video showing three police officers wrestling 25-year-old rider Alfred Ndeto.
According to witnesses, the confrontation arose after Ndeto allegedly refused to give the officers a Sh50 bribe at a roadblock.
Ndeto sustained severe injuries to his chest, legs, and other parts of his body, and is still in pain as he recovers.
His colleagues said the attack was unprovoked and amounted to blatant abuse of power by law enforcement officers.
Speaking outside the Shimba Hills Police Station, Kwale Boda Boda Association of Kenya Chairperson Mahmud Mwanyumba condemned the assault in the strongest terms, calling it a violation of Ndeto’s rights and an embarrassment to the police service.
“Beating a young man over Sh50 is unacceptable. If he broke the law, due process should have been followed,” he said.
Mwanyumba stressed that no law allows police officers to demand or receive bribes, warning that such incidents erode public trust in the security sector.
He urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other relevant agencies to act swiftly in investigating the matter.
Mwanyumba said all officers involved must face disciplinary action, and the case should serve as a lesson to other rogue officers who think they can get away with misconduct.
The chairperson also said the boda boda community in Kwale will not relent until Ndeto gets justice and is adequately compensated for his injuries and losses.
Mwanyumba further threatened to pursue advanced legal measures if action is not taken within the next few days, accusing the authorities of dragging their feet when cases involve law enforcement officers.
“We are peaceful and law-abiding, but if no action is taken, we will seek legal means to hold the officers accountable,” he said.
The Kwale BAK Spokesperson Rama Hamadi called for respect and protection of motorcycle taxi operators, warning against harassment and unlawful punishment
He said the sector plays a vital role in the local economy by providing employment and affordable transport, yet riders often face intimidation instead of support.
“The boda boda sector must be respected and enabled to thrive, not used as a tool to intimidate its workers,” he said.
He admitted that while a significant number of riders lack the required driving licences, it should not justify acts of corporal punishment or other human rights violations.
Hamadi noted that BAK is actively working with local leaders and government agencies to enroll boda boda operators in driving courses and ensure they get certified.
He said that despite numerous challenges the industry faces, most boda boda riders respect the law and, in many cases, contribute to national security by helping identify and report criminal activity in their areas.
He urged authorities to work more closely with boda boda groups in Kwale to strengthen trust and improve public safety, adding that the sector’s potential could only be fully realized if riders operate in a safe and dignified environment.
Kwale Boda Boda Coordinator Juma Gatiwi also condemned the assault on Ndeto, saying his rights were grossly violated.
He called for swift investigations into the assault and for the establishment of clear guidelines on how to handle traffic offences without violating constitutional rights.
Gatiwi said they are yet to submit a Memorandum to the commissioner of police and other bodies to ensure justice prevails.
However, Shimba Hills Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Kimolo confirmed receiving the assault complaint against the boda boda rider and assured that justice would be served fairly for both parties.
He strongly condemned the conduct of the police officers involved, saying such incidents should never occur.
Kimolo added that both parties have already recorded their statements and that further action will follow.
Area OCPD Safari Katana said the matter will not be swept under the carpet, adding that police are gathering evidence before compiling a report to submit to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further directives.
He assured the safety of the victim and the entire boda boda fraternity, noting that police will work closely with the sector to promote peace and prosperity.
“I assure you the law will take its course, and no boda boda rider will be harassed in the future. We want to work together,” he said.
