For the past two years, bodaboda rider David Nganga has been ferrying clients across Nakuru County to support his family.
The 37-year-old acquired a motorcycle on loan in October 2022 and was unable to afford the fee to secure a daytime stage, opted to operate at night.
On the night of June 13, Mr Nganga left home at around 5 pm, worked at the Section 58 area then moved into Nakuru town.
At around 8.15 pm, a middle-aged man emerged from a nightclub and requested a ride to Milimani to pick up some luggage, promising to return to town afterward.
The man who appeared drunk handed Mr Nganga his phone to speak to a second person with directions, and they agreed the trip would cost Sh200.
David Nganga, a boda boda operator in Nakuru city, narrates during an interview on June 18, 2025, how police officers roughed him up last Friday night and stole his motorbike and other valuables.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi| Nation Media Group
“When we reached the destination, we met the man from the phone call. He assured us he had the luggage and asked for my number to send the fare. Suddenly, the man I had ferried grabbed and began strangling me. Another man with a panga emerged from a nearby construction site and they dragged me into nearby bushes,” Mr Nganga recalled in an interview.
Mr Nganga said he had trusted the client based on his age and the fact that the person on the phone sounded elderly.
“At night, we avoid young men as they are more likely to rob us. I did not know I was the luggage,” he said.
The three men tied his legs and hands, masked his mouth and assaulted him. They stole his motorbike, mobile phone and the Sh50 he had in his pocket before leaving him tied up.
After an hour, Mr Nganga managed to loosen the ropes around his legs and stumbled to a nearby homestead.
“Luckily, I found someone getting home and he helped untie my hands and mask, gave me Sh200 for fare. On my way to find a ride, I found police officers who directed me to Milimani Police Base,” he said.
At Milimani, he was referred to Central Police Station and reported the matter the next day under OB number 70/14/6/2025.
Face to face with the attackers
On June 16, when he returned to follow up, he was shocked to find one of his attackers, the man who had ordered his killing, at the reporting desk.
“I recognised his face and teeth. He refused to serve me and claimed he was an officer from the Teachers Police Station,” Mr Nganga said.
The officer left in a police vehicle. Moments later, another man, Nganga, recognized as the original client, appeared.
“I remained calm, and I did not raise an alarm. I just wanted to tell the OCS what happened. But he keeps pushing me away and won’t listen,” he said.
David Nganga, a boda boda operator (left), accompanied by police officers, previews CCTV footage in one of the business premises along Pandit Nehru Road in Nakuru City on June 18, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi| Nation Media Group
“I identified two out of the three attackers. I told my colleagues what happened, and now I fear for my life. These men might come after me to protect their jobs,” he said, adding that attempts to speak with the OCS have failed.
“On Tuesday, I waited for hours, but no help. I’m just being frustrated.”
Nganga, a former casual labourer, completed payment for the motorcycle in February after paying Sh275,000.
“Now I’ve lost everything. My family depended on that bike for food, rent, and school fees,” he said.
His wife, Wangui Nganga, said she was shocked when her husband came home at 6 am without his motorcycle.
“Since Friday, life has been tough because that bike was our lifeline. The same officers who should protect us are the ones who robbed us. We do not even feel safe enough to name names. What if they come for him to silence him?” she posed.
Nakuru County Police Commander Michael Mwaura on Thursday confirmed that a robbery with violence report had been filed.
Nakuru County Police Commander Michael Mwaura addresses media at his office on June 18, 2025, over the claims of a boda boda rider, David Nganga, who was roughed up and his motorbike stolen by police officers last Friday along Pandit Nehru Road in Nakuru City.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi| Nation Media Group
“We have launched investigations to identify the mastermind. If any officer is found culpable, the law will take its course,” Mr Mwaura said
