By Monica Nashon
Community leaders and boda boda operators in Kisii County have welcomed a donation of motorcycles and office equipment by Mogo Auto Limited to support police operations and strengthen security.
The donation, handed over at Kisii Central Police Station, included motorcycles, tables, chairs and other office equipment for use by Kisii Central and Ogembo police stations and the County Criminal Investigations Office.
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The support comes amid concerns over motorcycle theft, which threatens the livelihoods of boda boda operators and other motorcycle owners who depend on the vehicles for income.
Kisii County Police Commander Ronald Kirui said the donation would improve officers’ ability to carry out their duties and respond to security incidents.
“Today is such a very special day for us as Kisii County police officers and not only us, but the entire community in this county,” Kirui said.
He said the motorcycles would improve police mobility and assist officers in their day-to-day operations.
“The motorcycles we have received today are going to go a long way in helping the police and assisting us in our work,” he said.
Community policing representatives also welcomed the initiative, with Josphat Nyamboga thanking the company for supporting residents.
“I want to thank Mogo for giving back to the community,” Nyamboga said.
Boda boda operators said the donation was particularly significant given the risk of motorcycle theft. Japheth Mosoti, the regional chairperson of boda boda operators, said the sector had received two motorcycles from the company.
“Today we got two boda boda motorcycles from Mogo Auto Limited,” Mosoti said.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation between operators and police in preventing theft, reporting suspicious activities and improving security.
Sospeter Mwaura, a stakeholder at Mogo Auto Limited, said the company recognised the role played by police in protecting motorcycle owners, operators and the wider community.
“Motorcycle theft and insecurity affect individuals, families and businesses that depend on motorcycles for their livelihoods,” Mwaura said.
“We recognise the important role police officers play in addressing these challenges, and we hope this support will assist them in carrying out their day-to-day duties.”
Call for collaboration
Mwaura said motorcycle theft could not be tackled by police alone, calling for collaboration among security agencies, motorcycle owners, boda boda operators, financiers and local communities.
The National Crime Research Centre has identified motorcycle and boda boda theft among criminal activities associated with organised gangs. Its report also found that motorcycles and boda bodas are used by gangs to facilitate their movement.
Mogo urged members of the public to report stolen motorcycles and suspicious activities promptly to the relevant authorities.
“Protecting motorcycle owners and boda boda operators requires a collective effort. We encourage members of the public to report suspicious activities and stolen motorcycles promptly to the relevant authorities,” Mwaura said.
The company operates a 24-hour emergency response service through which customers can report stolen motorcycles and vehicles and request recovery assistance. It also allows customers to report stolen vehicles through its SAKA online platform.
The Kisii donation follows a similar initiative in Kisumu County, where Mogo donated motorcycles and office furniture to support police operations.
The company said it would continue working with security agencies, boda boda operators and community stakeholders to address motorcycle theft and promote safer communities.
