A local asset financing firm, Watu Credit, has praised national security agencies in Kenya for their progress in tackling motorbike theft in the area. The firm highlighted that officers from the National Police Service have made significant strides in dismantling a suspected cross-border syndicate that targets boda boda operators.
These operators have been losing their bikes to organized criminals who smuggle the stolen vehicles into neighboring countries like Tanzania and Uganda. While expressing gratitude to the national security agencies for their efforts, Watu Kenya Country Manager, Erick Massawe, mentioned that DCI authorities, acting on reliable information, have successfully recovered three stolen bikes, with suspects already appearing in court this week.
The police recovered the motorbikes in Nakuru, Ndhiwa (Homabay County), and Nairobi while they were en route to their final destinations. “Motorbike theft continues to be a significant issue in Kenya. To assist our customers, we have implemented advanced tracking systems to help locate any stolen bikes. We also appreciate the police for their collaboration in recovering these stolen vehicles and apprehending the suspects,” said Watu Kenya Country Manager, Erick Massawe.
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In Nairobi, one of the notorious suspects, a boda boda rider, pleaded guilty to stealing a motorbike valued at Kshs.261,612 and selling it for a fraction of its worth. Joseph Korir Maema, who operates under various aliases, 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 had acquired the motorcycle through a hire purchase agreement with Watu Kenya and, after using it for a year, hired Maema to operate it. However, Maema vanished after a few months. He was charged alongside Baraka Mose, who allegedly bought the stolen motorbike. Mose, an official of a boda boda Sacco in Embakasi, denied the charges and is currently out on bail awaiting a hearing. To address the increasing motorbike theft in the country, Watu has rolled out advanced tracking technology.
