The new Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the release of all the motorbikes impounded by the County Government of Nairobi City.

Sakaja issued the order on Monday at City Hall during a meeting with the county government employees.

He directed the City Inspectorate to identify official drop-off and pick-up points within the city for boda boda and online taxis to operate from without interfering to avoid harassment.

The governor also ordered the immediate withdrawal of all the cases against the boda boda riders whose motorbikes were impounded.

Besides issuing the order, Sakaja also cautioned the boda boda operator and hawkers to maintain law and order, noting that freedom has limits.

The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) planned to release all the impounded boda boda motorbikes before the election.

The NMS boss, Mohamed Badi said he would consult with the Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai to ensure that materialised.

“Some boda boda had been impounded, I shall consult with IG and ensure they get released before elections,” Badi said.

He acknowledged the fact that some boda boda operators were indeed victims of rogue county askaris.

“Since I took over Nairobi  I have worked closely with the boda boda associations. It is true that boda boda operators have been harassed by rogue enforcement officers," he said.

The immediate former governor of Nairobi Anne Kananu in Marth also ordered the release of the motorbikes whose owners committed petty offences and those with legitimate operating papers.

“I have issued an executive order to the city inspectorate to immediately release motorcycles whose owners are petty offenders who have legit papers for operating,” Kananu said.