PS Omollo rallies boda boda riders to flush out criminals

 Interior PS Raymond Omollo in Busia county/HANDOUT

Interior PS Raymond Omollo has urged boda boda riders to work closely with security agencies and actively participate in government empowerment programmes.

He spoke on Friday in Busia when he chaired a boda boda stakeholder engagement forum. More than 2,000 boda boda operators attended.

The PS said the government recognises the sector as one of the largest sources of employment for young people and a vital contributor to the national economy.

He said similar engagement forums had already been conducted in Kilifi, Kisumu and Homa Bay counties and would continue across all 47 counties.

Omollo commended boda boda riders in Busia for their cooperation with security agencies, noting the partnership between operators, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) and security teams had significantly contributed to peace and stability in the county.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation we have continued to receive from boda boda operators on matters of security. This close working relationship has helped us maintain peace and respond effectively to security concerns within the county,” he said.

The PS reiterated President William Ruto’s earlier directive on the release of motorbikes impounded for petty offences, urging security commanders to facilitate the discharge of motorcycles detained over minor compliance issues, in line with the law and government policy.

Omollo further called on boda boda riders to formally register under Saccos and recognised associations, arguing that stronger organisation would enhance professionalism, accountability and self-regulation within the sector.

He said proper registration and identification would help isolate criminal elements who have infiltrated the industry, while protecting legitimate operators and broadening their access to empowerment opportunities.

The PS also encouraged Busia residents to enrol under the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme, noting that more than 50 per cent of residents had registered.

He said increased uptake would enable the government to plan more effectively for healthcare delivery and improve access to affordable medical services.

Omollo highlighted a range of ongoing government development projects in the region, including road infrastructure, markets, affordable housing and railway expansion, reaffirming the government’s commitment to equitable development across all parts of the country.

“As people from Western Kenya, we appreciate the ongoing development programmes and the efforts being made to ensure every region benefits equally from government projects and opportunities,” he said.

The PS urged residents to continue supporting peace, unity and development, and to reject divisive politics that could undermine the progress already achieved.

The forum was attended by Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Senate Majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development PS Susan Mang’eni, Western regional commissioner Irungu Macharia, and leaders and representatives from the boda boda sector across the Western Region.