A man in Eldoret has sparked debates over how boda boda credit companies ‘steal’ from their clients.
Interestingly, in this particular case, the man attempted to outwit the company.
Allegedly, the Eldoret-based rider buried his motorbike at his home compound, then promptly filed a missing claim at the company that sold it to him on credit.
A viral video circulating on social media shows the company’s representatives alongside police officers retrieving the motorcycle from a heap of soil after conducting a thorough search in the compound.
“He has buried something here, bring it up. What number plate is this? Good job detective! The bike has been recovered,” one of the men is heard saying in the video.
The credit company used their tracking system to locate the missing ride. Sections of Kenyans stormed to social media questioning the use of this locating system.
They claimed that the credit companies use these trackers fitted on bodabodas to locate and steal them after clients have completely finished clearing their due loans.
Victims who have been affected can attest to this common complaint narrative. It is believed that these lending companies often target young individuals who are seeking an honest living by ferrying people.
Man loses boda after paying off Sh. 215k loan; suspects lender stole it
“This seems like an inside job. How come they cannot trace the genuine cases that are reported by riders across the country?” one questioned.
These credit companies are now on the spot and facing serious scrutiny with many Kenyans accusing them of loaning motorcycles at exorbitant interest rates and stealing the bikes once the loan is fully paid.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Activist Boniface Mwangi have consistently urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to look into the numerous complaints. Innocent Kenyan citizens have been left financially destitute by these lending companies.