Public transport operators have been losing their bikes to an organized criminal ring that smuggles
the assets to the neighbouring countries of Tanzania and Uganda
NAIROBI, 5th February 2025…A local asset financing firm, Watu Credit, has lauded national security
agencies in Kenya for making headway in the efforts to curb motorbike theft in the region.
The firm noted that National Police Service officers have made good headway in cracking a
suspected cross-border syndicate targeting boda boda operators. The operators have been losing
their bikes to organized criminals who smuggle the assets to the neighbouring countries of Tanzania
and Uganda.
Speaking while commending the national security agencies for their support, Watu Kenya Country
Manager, Erick Massawe stated that DCI authorities acting on credible information have managed to
recover three earlier stolen bikes with suspects already arraigned in court this week alone. Police
Officers recovered the motorbikes in Nakuru, Ndhiwa (Homabay County), and Nairobi en route to their
final destinations.
“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 Kenya,
Country Manager, Erick Massawe said.
In Nairobi, one of the notorious suspects, a boda boda rider, pleaded guilty to stealing a motorbike
worth Kshs.261 612 and selling it at a throwaway price. Joseph Korir Maema, who operates under
multiple aliases known by different names, admitted at the Makadara law courts on January 10, 2025,
that he stole the motorbike belonging to Ernest Biwott on June 23, 2023, in Nairobi.
Biwott acquired the motorcycle on a hire purchase from Watu Kenya and, after using it for a year,
employed Maema to operate it. However, Maema disappeared after a few months. He was charged
alongside Baraka Mose, who allegedly purchased the stolen motorbike. Mose, an official of a boda
boda Sacco in Embakasi, denied the charges and is currently out on bail pending a hearing.
To combat rising motorbike theft in the country, Watu has introduced advanced tracking systems and
security devices for all motorbikes. The company also works closely with various law enforcement
agencies to facilitate rapid response and recovery efforts whenever an incident occurs.
The police also arrested three suspects with a stolen motorbike (registration KMFY 395K) that had
been reported stolen in Mudete (Vihiga County). The rightful owner has been contacted and will soon
be reunited with his asset.
In Ndhiwa, the police arrested a suspect with a stolen motorbike (registration KMFU631J). The
suspect has been arraigned and is out on bail pending a hearing.
Motorbike theft remains a significant challenge across the country, particularly targeting bikes
financed by asset financing companies like Watu Kenya. Reports indicate that over 10,000
motorcycles were stolen across the country in 2024, highlighting the growing trend of organized crime
related to motorcycle theft. This trend particularly affects the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) industry, a
vital livelihood source for many Kenyans.
