A middle-aged boda boda operator is in trouble after being accused of attempting to abduct a university student in Kitui town.
The incident happened when the 21-year-old nursing student from South Eastern Kenya University boarded the motorcycle near Naivas Supermarket.
She asked to be dropped at Majengo, but the rider allegedly ignored her request and sped past her destination.
She said she became alarmed and repeatedly asked him where he was taking her, but the rider allegedly ignored her pleas.
The rider reportedly drove several kilometres before reaching a police roadblock.
Fearing for her safety, she made a desperate decision to jump off the moving motorcycle. She fell onto the road and suffered injuries, while the rider allegedly sped away from the scene.
Traffic officers rushed to her aid and escorted her to Itoleka Police Station, where the case was reported. She was later treated at Kitui County Referral Hospital.
Hospital records showed that she sustained injuries to her hands, waist and left shoulder. The injuries were reportedly consistent with a fall from a moving motorcycle.
Police arrested the suspect soon after and detained him at the station ahead of his court appearance.
Kelvin Kivala, the county chairman of the Bodaboda Association, condemned the incident, warning riders against criminal behaviour that tarnishes the industry’s reputation.
He urged operators to uphold discipline and protect passengers’ trust.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and the suspect will face charges of attempted abduction.