A 45-year-old bodaboda operator in Makutano Town, Kapenguria, in West Pokot County, was on Wednesday, February 25 evening killed after being stabbed by a passenger who was armed with an arrow.

George Kisa Cheptot from Chepkoti Village was attacked by a man he thought was his pillion passenger while on their way from Chepareria area towards Makutano Town.

Cheptot is reported to have picked up a passenger at the main stage in Makutano Town heading to Chepareria and after dropping off the passenger, he began his journey back to Makutano.

While on his way at Kamatira, he picked another man who requested to be dropped at Salaga. During the trip, the suspect reportedly attacked Cheptot and stabbed him with an arrow.

Following the incident, bodaboda operators in Makutano protested on Thursday, February 26 morning, calling on security agencies within the area to move with speed and enhance security.

Peter Wafula, a bodaboda operator who spoke to TV47 Digital, accused the security team for failing to conduct a crackdown on criminal gangs within Makutano Town, saying the incident has caused fear and panic among locals and other bodaboda users.

“Every bodaboda rider within Makutano is now in panic, we don’t know whether the government is aware of this criminal activities happening in West Pokot or not, the security team deployed in our area has done nothing to tame criminals,” said Wafula.

West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni has called for calm, assuring locals that police have taken up the matter to pursue criminals in the area, vowing that the law will catch up with them.

“Iam shocked with what happened to the bodaboda rider and for this reason, I have directed my security team led by county police commandant to move with speed and restore calm in the area by ensuring that the culprits are brought to book,” said Saruni.

Police have, therefore, launched the investigation to arrest the suspect who disappeared from the scene.

The body of the deceased was taken to Kapenguria Hospital mortuary.