Boda boda rider in court over alleged attempt to abduct university student

A middle-aged boda boda operator is set to be arraigned at the Kitui Law Courts today in connection with an attempted abduction of a third year university student.

The man, who is currently being held at Itoleka Police Station in Kitui County, is accused of attempting to abduct the 21-year-old female student on Sunday September 6, 2026 afternoon within Kitui town.

According to the victim, a nursing student at South Eastern Kenya University’s Kitui town campus, she boarded the boda boda near Naivas Supermarket and asked the rider to drop her at her residence within Majengo area.

However, the rider allegedly sped past her destination and continued riding away from the area.

“I shouted and asked where he was taking me, but he ignored me and continued speeding,” the student, who comes from Homa Bay County, told The Nairobian.

She said the rider continued for several kilometres before they encountered traffic police officers manning a roadblock.

It was at that point, she said, that she decided to jump off the moving motorcycle in an attempt to save her life.

“I jumped off and fell on the ground but he sped off,” she said.

The police officers came to her assistance and escorted her to Itoleka Police Station, where the matter was booked under OB number 08/06/09/2026.

She later recorded a statement and was issued with a P3 form, which she used to seek treatment at Kitui County Referral Hospital (KCRH).

The rider was later arrested and detained at the police station.

Hospital records indicate that the student sustained injuries to her hands, waist and left shoulder, which were consistent with a fall from a moving motorcycle.

Kelvin Kivala, the county chairman of the bodaboda association, regretted the incident and cautioned his members against engaging in criminal activities.

“That is an isolated case. We have never heard of our members attempting to abduct customers. However, I want to plead with them to continue operating within the law,” Kivala said.