Coast

Detectives raise alarm over boda boda theft syndicate in Mombasa

Principal Magistrate Monica Kîvuti was shot and injured during court hearings at the Makadara Law Courts (Photo: EV)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, May 20, 2024

According to police, the stolen motorcycles are disassembled and their engines sold to boat operators.

Detectives in Mombasa County have raised alarm over an emerging crime wave where armed robbers, posing as passengers, target boda boda riders.

The theft ring was uncovered after two suspects were apprehended in Likoni, revealing a complex operation.

Keep reading

According to police, the stolen motorcycles are disassembled and their engines sold to boat operators.

According to police reports, the incident began when an individual by the name of Said, the owner of the stolen motorcycle, reported the theft to the police.

The motorcycle registered as KMFT 776X, was taken from his rider in the Muzungu Mchafu area.

Fortunately, Said had fitted the bike with a GPS tracker, enabling police to trace its location to the Likoni ferry area.

“Officers on duty at the ferry's island side managed to stop and arrest the two suspects in the midst of dismantling the bike,” a police report read.

Accomplices

The arrested suspects were identified as Mohamed Mwinyi, a 19-year-old from Ujamaa in Likoni, and Juma Mohamed Dzimwenga, a 24-year-old from Centi Kumi in Likoni.

Both suspects were searched, arrested, and are currently in police custody.

During interrogation, the suspects disclosed the identities of their accomplices operating in the Watamu area of Malindi.

“This revelation points to a broader network of motorcycle thefts across the region, raising concerns about the safety of boda boda riders and the prevalence of such crimes,” a senior detective stated.

Detectives said the syndicate targets unsuspecting boda boda riders by posing as regular passengers.

Once isolated, the robbers strike, often using weapons to intimidate their victims. The stolen motorcycles are quickly dismantled, and parts are sold off, particularly the engines, which are in high demand among boat operators.

The DCI has urged boda boda operators to remain vigilant and consider installing tracking devices on their motorcycles.

They also advised riders to avoid unfamiliar routes and to always inform someone of their whereabouts.