By Renson Buluma
Busia, Kenya: The body of a motorbike bodaboda operator who went missing last Monday was Friday found in a drainage system near a local hotel within Busia town.
The semi decomposed body of the deceased identified as Eric Wafula, was discovered by members of public who were irritated by the foul smell that was emanating from the drainage.
The body had visible injuries on the head and arms, an indication that he was murdered before being dumbed in the drainage system and covered by some tree twigs
“We were disturbed by the smell and we thought it was a dog so we opted to remove it only to realize it was a human being,’ said a witness who requested anonymity.
According to Chairman of Busia County bodaboda Association Eric Makokha, the deceased went missing last Monday after he allegedly ferried a customer and could not be traced until when his body was found.
“His assailants also robbed him of his motorbike and some valuables including a mobile phone and money,” said Makokha.
Residents are now calling on the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to intervene. They accuse police of laxity.
“Young men who have opted to earn a honest living through riding of bodaboda are being innocently targeted and killed yet our law enforcers are not offering a solution to the problem,” said Makokha.
Busia OCPD Francis Nguli confirmed that police had recovered the body of the deceased and moved it to Busia county referral hospital where it is awaiting post mortem. Investigations have been launched to arrest the people involved.
He, however, appealed to the operators to take precautionary measures such as not transporting customers late at night for their own security.
