28/07/2025
STATEMENT BY H.E. ANDREW MWADIME, GOVERNOR, TAITA TAVETA COUNTY
ON THE BRUTAL KILLING OF A BODA BODA RIDER IN VOI
27th July 2025
It is with deep sorrow and outrage that I have received the tragic news of the brutal attack and murder of a boda boda rider operating from the Caltex, Voi stage. His lifeless body was discovered earlier today near Gate C of Taita Taveta University. I condemn this heinous and cowardly act in the strongest terms possible. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends, and the entire boda boda fraternity during this profoundly painful time.
I call upon our security agencies to act swiftly and decisively in conducting a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. Those responsible for this despicable crime must be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We will not allow criminals to erode the peace and security of our county.
I urge all boda boda riders across the county to exercise heightened vigilance and look out for one another. Avoid ferrying unknown individuals to unverified or high-risk locations. Let us embrace the creed: “Usalama uanza na mimi na wewe”—Safety begins with you and me. Through self-regulation, coordination, and alertness, we can greatly reduce the risk of such tragedies recurring.
In addition, I make a special appeal to our boda boda operators: report any suspicious persons or activities to the relevant authorities without delay. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in the fight against crime, given your constant interaction with the public and knowledge of local movements.
Finally, I appeal to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to enhance cross-border security collaboration with their counterparts in Tanzania. There are credible concerns that some of these violent crimes are linked to motorbike theft syndicates that smuggle stolen bikes through panya routes across the border into Tanzania. This transboundary criminal network must be dismantled through coordinated investigations and joint patrols.
In this regard, security must be urgently beefed up along all known panya routes to curb the smuggling of stolen motorcycles and to prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods. We must seal these porous borders that continue to serve as escape routes for criminals.
Let us all stand united in grief, in vigilance, and in purpose to ensure that Taita Taveta remains a safe place for all.
H.E. Andrew Mwadime
Governor, Taita Taveta County
27th July 2025