Watu Credit has commended Kenya’s National Police Service for their progress in dismantling a motorcycle theft syndicate that has been targeting boda boda operators across the country. This comes amid past allegations from some boda boda operators who have accused the company of unfair repossession tactics and failing to intervene in theft cases. Watu has denied these claims, stating that it remains committed to protecting its customers and working with authorities to address theft concerns.
According to Watu Credit, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), acting on credible intelligence, successfully recovered three motorcycles that had been stolen and were en route to suspected smuggling destinations in Tanzania and Uganda. Watu claims the recovered bikes were traced to Nakuru, Ndhiwa (Homabay County), and Nairobi, demonstrating the scale of the cross-border syndicate.
A Growing Concern for Boda Boda Operators
Motorcycle theft has been a persistent challenge in Kenya, with an increasing number of cases reported over the past year. In 2024 alone, more than 10,000 motorcycles were stolen across the country, affecting riders who depend on boda bodas for their livelihoods. Many of these bikes, financed through asset loan companies like Watu Credit, have been targeted by organized crime rings, leading to significant financial losses for riders and lenders alike.
Speaking on the police crackdown, Watu Kenya Country Manager, Erick Massawe, emphasized the importance of law enforcement cooperation in addressing the issue.
“Motorbike theft remains an ongoing challenge in Kenya. To support our customers, we have introduced advanced tracking systems to help locate any stolen bikes. We also thank the police for their cooperation in recovering these stolen bikes and apprehending the suspects,” Watu claims.
High-Profile Arrests and Legal Action
In Nairobi, one of the key suspects, Joseph Korir Maema, pleaded guilty at Makadara Law Courts to stealing a motorbike worth KES 261,612. The boda boda rider, who operated under multiple aliases, admitted to stealing the motorcycle from its owner, Ernest Biwott, on June 23, 2023. Biwott had acquired the motorbike on hire purchase from Watu Credit and later employed Maema to operate it, only for him to disappear after a few months.
Watu says Maema was charged alongside Baraka Mose, a boda boda Sacco official in Embakasi, who allegedly bought the stolen motorbike. Mose, however, denied the charges and is currently out on bail pending trial.
Elsewhere, Watu says police in Vihiga County arrested three suspects found with a stolen motorbike (registration KMFY 395K) in Mudete. Authorities have since contacted the rightful owner for the bike’s return. In Ndhiwa, Watu claims another suspect was arraigned in court after being caught with a stolen motorcycle (registration KMFU 631J). He is currently out on bail awaiting trial.
Addressing the Root Causes of Motorcycle Theft
The theft of boda bodas has sparked widespread concern, particularly with allegations that some motorcycles financed through asset loan providers like Watu Credit were being repossessed under suspicious circumstances. Some boda boda operators have accused lenders of using unfair recovery tactics or failing to intervene when theft occurs.
To address these concerns, Watu claims it has introduced advanced tracking and security systems on all financed motorcycles. The company says these measures will enhance the safety of boda boda operators and facilitate faster recovery of stolen bikes. Additionally, Watu says it is working closely with local law enforcement agencies to combat rising cases of motorcycle theft.
In response to rising theft cases, Watu says county governments and security agencies in regions such as Taita Taveta and Kisii have also initiated collaborations with boda boda operators and lenders to establish secure recovery frameworks and prevent further incidents.
The Broader Impact of Boda Boda Theft
Beyond the direct financial losses to riders, boda boda theft has been linked to organized crime syndicates that dismantle stolen bikes for spare parts or smuggle them across international borders. A report published in late 2024 highlighted the growing role of criminal networks in the boda boda industry, with calls for stricter enforcement and policy interventions to curb the trend.
The boda boda sector remains a critical pillar of Kenya’s transport industry, providing employment to millions of youths and facilitating mobility in both urban and rural areas. While the recent arrests and motorcycle recoveries signal progress, industry stakeholders continue to push for stronger policies to safeguard riders from financial losses due to theft.
Looking Ahead
With the recent police crackdown and ongoing partnerships between asset financiers and law enforcement, boda boda operators hope for a safer operating environment. However, the persistent nature of organized crime syndicates calls for continuous vigilance and proactive measures from both security agencies and the boda boda community.
For now, Watu claims it remains optimistic about its efforts to safeguard its customers’ assets, stating that they will continue supporting law enforcement in addressing the rising trend of motorcycle theft.
“Our goal is to protect our customers and ensure their assets are secure. We will keep innovating and working with the authorities to make this a reality,” Massawe reiterated.
Discover more from Techish Kenya
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
