HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE IN EMBU AS BODA BODA RIDERS PROTEST ARREST OF KIRIMARI SACCO TREASURER
The riders, mostly from Kirimari SACCO, took to the streets after their treasurer was allegedly arrested the previous night by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
While the specific charges remain unclear, the government has yet to issue a statement, further fuelling public outrage.
Streets Turn to Chaos
From as early as 6 a.m., angry riders blocked the Embu–Kiritiri road with burning tires and stones, paralyzing movement near the court roundabout.
“We want answers, and we want them now. Why was he arrested like a thief?”, one protester shouted.
Another yelled, “This is intimidation. We will not move until he is released!”
Businesses Close, Town Halts
Shops in the town centre pulled down their shutters. The noise, smoke, and confusion drove customers away.
A local trader said, “I had just opened, but the crowd and police sirens scared me. I had to close.”
Reports showed riders waving placards with messages like “Free Our Leader” and “Justice for Boda Boda”.
Despite the chaos, no violence, injuries, or arrests were reported by press time.
Police on High Alert
A heavy police presence has since been deployed in the area. Officers in riot gear were seen forming barricades to control the swelling crowd.
Authorities advised motorists to avoid the Embu–Kiritiri road and use alternative routes.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and urge for calm,” a senior police officer said.
Not the First Protest
This is not the first time boda boda riders in Embu have clashed with authorities.
Just weeks ago, on July 8, riders blocked the Embu–Meru highway in protest over a similar incident.
Elsewhere, in Mlolongo on Mombasa Road, riders lit bonfires and blocked traffic after a colleague was detained.
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HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE IN EMBU AS BODA BODA RIDERS PROTEST ARREST OF KIRIMARI SACCO TREASURER
