Detectives have arrested more than 20 people in connection to an incident in Kitengela where a group of boda-boda riders stoned a car after causing an accident.
The suspects, who were part of a mob captured on camera pelting stones at the car, were arrested on January 19,2024 and are being held at the Kitengela Police Station.
“Twenty persons have been arrested and twenty-six motorbikes detained at the police station,” read part of the Police OB Report.
The angry riders are alleged to have launched an assault on a vehicle and its driver who reportedly knocked down of one of their colleagues.
According to the Police report, the arrested suspects will face charges for the offence of malicious damage and assault.
Police said the operation was conducted led by the Kitengela OCS.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorist is said to have caused the accident, later trying to speed off from the scene.
Kitengela incident
The hit-and-run forced angry riders in the area to give it a chase before catching up with the vehicle near Enkare area.
The video captured on Thursday, January 18, showed the riders stoning the motorist who had sought refuge inside the car.
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In the video clip seen by The Kenya Times, irate riders went on to stone the black Nissan model vehicle one after the other in protest as onlookers stare in shock.
This caused severe damage to the vehicle’s windows and body, but the mob appeared unbothered.
The recorded car was seen to be parked on the wrong side of the road.
As the scuffle ensued, a traffic police officer at the scene was seen trying to calm the mob down.
However, his pleads fell on deaf ears, prompting him to call for backup after he was unable to contain the irate mob.
Other police officers were seen arriving at the scene moments later, securing the safety of the motorist before the crowd was dispersed.
Uproar
The video sparked an uproar from Kenyans online, with a major section calling for the arrest of the riders captured in the assault.
Popular politician Alinur Mohammed reacted to the clip highlighting that action needed to be taken against the riders.
“The driver tried to save her life by hiding inside her car. These goons should be in Kamiti Prison,” he said.
Another online user further echoed his words noting that the riders acted against the law.
“This is unacceptable, no one has a right to take matters on their own hands. The law has to catch up with them asap! Lamented Melvin.
Other users also reacted to the reports about the arrest acknowledging the law enforcers for the operation.
“Police have arrested 20+ involved in the Kitengela stoning. It was good in the mob now it’s everyone for himself. Good job Police!” noted another user.
According to recent data released by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), 23 motorcyclists have died between January 1 and 7 this year.
