Chuka murder: Bodaboda threaten to hold nationwide protests as Ipoa launch probe
Willis Mugambi, the Tharaka Nithi County boda boda riders' association chairman, who was shot dead during demonstrations in Chuka town on April 8, 2023.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has launched a probe into Saturday's killing of Tharaka Nithi bodaboda association chair even as the Bobaboda Safety Association of Kenya threaten to hold countrywide protests.
The Association has given security agencies a one-week ultimatum to arrest the police officer who allegedly shot Willis Mugambi, 31, as police dispersed protesters in Chuka.
Speaking in Nairobi, the Association's Chairperson Kevin Mubadi said the late Mugambi was shot while helping the police contain the chaos that erupted in Chuka town and caused a major snarl up that stalled movement along the busy Nairobi - Meru highway.
"Willis did not die by accident, he was shot by a police officer. He had been called by the police to talk to the protestors and ease the chaos," said Mr Mubadi.
He said if the officer is not apprehended within a week, the association shall call for protests.
"We have two million members across the country and the government knows we are capable of causing anarchy if no action is taken against the officer," he said.
The deceased had been serving as the association's Tharaka Nithi chairperson for a period of two years.
On their part, Ipoa issued a statement Sunday saying, "our regional office in Meru has this morning dispatched a Rapid Response Team to launch investigations into the death."
"Upon conclusion of its investigations, the authority shall take appropriate action including recommending to the Director of Public Prosecutions the prosecution of any person found culpable. In all its investigations, IPOA is impartial, fair and transparent," the authority said.
Tension remained high in Chuka town, Tharaka Nithi County, on Sunday, following the killing of the boda boda operators' association chair and anti-riot police were deployed in the town in anticipation of a second day of protests.
Drama first ensued in Chuka town on Saturday after a mob barricaded Meru-Nairobi Highway using stones and a casket containing a body. The residents of Nkwego village were demanding the arrest of the killers of resident Daniel Mutembei, whose body was in the coffin.
