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{
    "id": 439717,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/439717/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 102,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "embarked on routine raids, targeting traffic offenders in a bid to return sanity on the roads and minimise accidents. As a result, a number of motorcycle boda boda operators were arrested and charged before a court of law, where fines ranging from Kshs3,000 to Kshs15,000 were imposed on offenders, depending on the charges against each offender. The fines and sentences passed against offenders over time ignited tension with bodaboda operators protesting that the fines had been too high and punitive. Hon. Deputy Speaker, on 13th April, 2014, several boda boda operators demonstrated within Lodwar Town, during which they barricaded all roads and the only two main bridges on Turkwel and Kawalaze Rivers, which form the main exit and entry points of the town. The demonstrations heightened tension and forced several business people to close shops and supermarkets, besides paralysing the traffic flow. At about 11.30 am, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Lodwar Police Station, mobilised a contingent of police officers and police reservists and proceeded to Turkwel Bridge where, on arrival, the demonstrators turned riotous and engaged the officers in running battles. Several shops were looted until the following day, 14th April, 2014, when the situation normalised. Following the incidence, Case File No.CR822/155/2014 was opened by the District Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO), Turkana Central, and investigations are ongoing. Once the investigations are completed, the file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions and appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with his advice. A spent cartridge which was recovered at the scene by members of the public is still being held by the relatives of the victim. Effects to retrieve the same for investigations have been in vain. Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Government does not intend to meet the hospital and burial costs since it has no voted provisions to cater for such expenses. In order to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, the Turkana County Security and Intelligence Committee is sensitising the local boda boda operators on the importance of attending driving schools and obtaining certificates of competence and the need to observe the safety measures in place to prevent accidents and deaths on the roads. Further, several public sensitisation forums on road safety, law and order have been held in the area. There is also need for the local leaders to sensitise the area residents on the need to observe the law, obey traffic enforcement officers and seek dialogue to avoid unnecessary demonstrations and battles. The riots attracted the local residents thus outnumbering the officers, forcing them to withdraw and seek reinforcements. The mob pursued the officers and attacked them with stones, metal bars and clubs. Consequently, some officers sustained injuries as follows:- 1. Administration Police Constable (APC) Ben Korir sustained serious chest injuries. 2. Police Constable (PC) Sammy Nyagah Ndwiga (driver) sustained deep cuts on his forehead. 3. Chief Inspector Evans Omuga sustained injuries on his shoulders and the right hand. His ribs were also fractured. Hon. Deputy Speaker, in the course of the demonstrations, the rioters attempted to snatch an official Ceska pistol from the OCS. In an attempt to defend himself, the OCS The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}