A youth group dubbed ‘Reggae Defenders’ stands outlawed after a security baraza presided over by the Vihiga County Commissioner Felix Watakila.
In the Baraza, it was established that the group has been involved in criminal activities, and its members have portrayed cult-like behaviours.
Watakila banned the grouping that is synonymous with playing loud music with long motorbike processions from morgues saying intelligence reports had revealed that the group posed a security threat to members of the public.
“What are they defending? This group has criminals disguised as responsible members of the society. They smoke bhang steal, maim and rape women at night!” Watakila said during a public baraza at Ebusikhale Mumboha Church of God grounds, that brought together members of the public, mainly bodaboda riders from Luanda.
“I want their certificate withdrawn with immediate effect and the security apparatus will continue to monitor their (Reggae Defenders) move,” he said.
Members of the public at the baraza accused the group of cult-like behaviours especially when one of their members dies.
“They have their own ‘government.’ They threaten anyone who questions their action and are able to bail out any of their members accused of any criminal activity within a very short time through contributions,” a bodaboda member told the baraza.
Watakila took issue with the Luanda Social Services officer on why he had registered a group that uses ‘reggae’ to cover up their criminal intentions. He dismissed Cyprian Ongudu’s explanation that the officials of the group told him they had ‘passion about reggae’ which pushed them to come together in a formal way.
Chairman of the said Reggae defenders group Solomon Okusi said the group was formed on February 2, 2022 with the aim of helping members at times of need.
“Our activities are lawful for we contribute for our members in times of sickness or bereavement. I will however, surrender the registration certificate as directed by the security team,” Okusi stated.
Okusi claimed that the group’s bank accounts had been frozen and they could no longer access the account.
Luanda police OCS Vincent Juma urged bodaboda riders to be on the lookout of anyone who will try to revive the group and share information with police for appropriate legal action.
He accused the reggae defenders for contravening the traffic laws endangering other road users.
