Watu Credit commends national security agencies for cracking down on motorbike theft syndicates
Local asset financing firm, Watu Credit, has lauded Kenya’s national security agencies for their ongoing efforts to combat motorbike theft, a growing concern that continues to affect thousands of boda boda operators across the country.
The company praised the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for their success in dismantling a suspected cross-border syndicate responsible for smuggling stolen motorcycles to neighboring countries, including Tanzania and Uganda.
Speaking while commending the security agencies, Watu Kenya Country Manager, Erick Massawe, acknowledged the recent recovery of three stolen motorbikes in separate operations conducted in Nakuru, Ndhiwa (Homa Bay County), and Nairobi. The operations, carried out by DCI officers acting on credible intelligence, have also led to the arrest and arraignment of several suspects in court this week alone.
“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,” said Massawe.
In Nairobi, one of the notorious suspects, identified as Joseph Korir Maema, pleaded guilty at the Makadara Law Courts to stealing a motorbike valued at Ksh 261,612. The bike, belonging to Ernest Biwott, was acquired on a hire-purchase agreement from Watu Kenya.
Maema, who reportedly operates under multiple aliases, was employed by Biwott to operate the motorcycle after a year of ownership. However, Maema disappeared after a few months and was later arrested and charged with theft. He admitted to stealing the bike on June 23, 2023, in Nairobi and selling it at a throwaway price.
Maema was charged alongside Baraka Mose, an official of a boda boda Sacco in Embakasi, who allegedly purchased the stolen motorbike. Mose has denied the charges and is currently out on bail pending his hearing.
In addition to the Nairobi case, police in Vihiga County arrested three suspects found in possession of a stolen motorbike (registration number KMFY 395K) reported missing in Mudete. The rightful owner has been contacted and will soon be reunited with their motorcycle.
Meanwhile, in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, another suspect was apprehended with a stolen motorbike (registration number KMFU 631J). The suspect has been arraigned in court and is out on bail pending trial.
Motorbike theft continues to be a significant challenge in Kenya, particularly targeting motorcycles financed through asset financing firms like Watu Kenya. Reports indicate that over 10,000 motorcycles were stolen across the country in 2024, underscoring the alarming growth of organized crime targeting the boda boda industry—a vital source of income for many Kenyans.
To combat this trend, Watu has rolled out advanced tracking systems and security devices for all financed motorbikes. The company also maintains close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure rapid response and recovery whenever theft incidents occur.
“Our partnership with the police is critical in safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyans who rely on motorcycles to earn a living. We remain committed to supporting both our customers and the security agencies in the fight against motorbike theft,” Massawe emphasized.