Police in Eldoret have successfully recovered over 200 stolen motorcycles, alongside a significant amount of dismantled spare parts, following a series of mysterious disappearances across the town. This breakthrough comes as the area continues to grapple with an alarming rise in motorcycle theft, driven by what authorities suspect is an organized crime syndicate.
The police raid, which took place earlier this week, targeted several locations known for illegal motorcycle trade. According to officials, the operation was a result of extensive investigations and intelligence gathering aimed at disrupting the activities of the syndicate. The criminals are believed to have been stealing the motorcycles, dismantling them, and selling the parts in the black market to avoid detection.
Speaking to the press, Eldoret West Sub-County Police Commander, Mr. Isaac Chebet, confirmed that a majority of the stolen motorcycles had already been stripped of essential parts such as engines, tyres, and seats. “We are dealing with a well-organized group that has been operating for some time. Their network appears to be deeply entrenched in Eldoret, but we are making significant progress in dismantling their operations,” Mr. Chebet said.
Motorcycle owners in Eldoret have been expressing growing concerns over the rising cases of theft. Many have fallen victim to the criminal activities, losing their primary mode of transport and, for some, their means of livelihood. One affected rider, Mr. Peter Kiprono, described how he parked his motorcycle overnight, only to find it missing the next morning. “This theft issue has become a nightmare for us. We hope the recent police action brings an end to it,” Kiprono stated.
Authorities have urged motorcycle owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. At the same time, they are conducting further investigations to apprehend more suspects and disrupt the entire syndicate network.
The police are optimistic that this recovery will send a strong message to the criminals and reduce the escalating rate of motorcycle theft in Eldoret. However, the community is calling for more robust measures to ensure long-term security, with some residents requesting heightened police patrols and the installation of security cameras in key areas.
As the investigations continue, the residents of Eldoret remain hopeful that the police efforts will bring an end to the organized theft that has shaken their town.
