Fear Grips Vihiga as Boda Boda Killings Rise, MP Dick Maungu Demands Immediate Government Action

Growing insecurity and the brutal killing of boda boda riders have sparked fresh concern in Vihiga County, with Luanda MP Dick Maungu calling on the government to move urgently against criminal gangs targeting motorcycle operators.

Speaking during a security consultative meeting chaired by Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr. Raymond Omollo after the launch of the Emuhaya Sub-County headquarters, Maungu described the attacks as a serious threat to both livelihoods and public safety.

According to the MP, criminals are ambushing boda boda riders, killing or assaulting them before making away with their motorcycles, leaving families devastated and communities living in fear.

"We cannot continue losing innocent boda boda riders to ruthless criminals who kill them just to steal their motorcycles. The government must act swiftly to dismantle these gangs and restore peace in Luanda and the entire Vihiga County," Maungu said.

The meeting brought together leaders from across Vihiga County, including Members of Parliament, security officials, Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, chiefs, and more than 250 boda boda representatives from the county's five sub-counties.

Maungu noted that the boda boda industry is one of the county's biggest employers, especially for young people, warning that the continued killings are not only claiming lives but also threatening the economic wellbeing of many families.

"Security is a fundamental right of every Kenyan. I have urged the Ministry of Interior to treat the insecurity facing our boda boda operators as an urgent matter because livelihoods and lives are being lost every week," he said.

The legislator called for intensified police patrols, faster investigations into the murders, and a sustained crackdown on the criminal gangs believed to be behind the attacks.

He also appealed to residents and boda boda operators to work closely with security agencies by sharing information that could help identify and arrest the perpetrators.

"Together, we can reclaim our communities from criminals. Community policing remains one of our strongest weapons against organized crime," Maungu said.

Responding to the concerns, Dr. Omollo assured residents that the government had taken note of the security challenges and pledged to strengthen operations in the affected areas.

The Principal Secretary also challenged boda boda leaders to help identify rogue operators and criminal elements within the sector, saying lasting security would only be achieved through close cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.

The consultative forum gave boda boda riders a rare opportunity to present their concerns directly to government officials. Many called for increased security patrols, quicker investigations into the killings, and stronger efforts to recover stolen motorcycles.

For many riders in Vihiga, the motorcycle is more than a means of transport—it's the only source of income. As fear continues to spread across the county, residents are hoping the promises made during the meeting will translate into decisive action to end the attacks and restore confidence in their safety.