On Tuesday, a family in Taita Taveta County laid their beloved Wilmot Mcharo to rest after he was reportedly abducted and killed by suspected rebels in Ethiopia on September 15.
At just 23 years old, Wilmot served as a turnboy, assisting a truck driver when they faced an attack near Mayugeri, approximately 255 kilometers from Addis Ababa.
His uncle, veteran truck driver Norman Mcharo, shared that Wilmot was the eldest in the family and had dedicated around three years to the transport sector. He had recently begun training in long-distance truck driving.
“They were delivering goods in Ethiopia and had already departed from Addis Ababa for their final destination. Tragically, they were abducted, and my nephew was shot. I personally introduced him to this industry and worked alongside him to teach him the ropes of being a proficient long-distance truck driver,” Norman expressed.
As of now, Wilmot’s driver remains unaccounted for.
Wilmot was buried in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County.
Roman Waema, chairperson of the Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union Mombasa branch, highlighted that this incident marks yet another attack on long-distance truck drivers.
Waema emphasized that truck drivers are increasingly alarmed by the rising incidents of robberies, murders, and abductions along the Northern Corridor. “This month alone, we have mourned the loss of nearly seven truck drivers, including those from other nationalities. We are exhausted from losing our colleagues, yet little is being done,” Waema lamented.
He expressed skepticism regarding a meeting convened by security authorities on Tuesday to address truck drivers’ security concerns. “The invitation requests that truck drivers explain their experiences along the Northern Corridor. Why are we recording statements in the occurrence books if authorities already have documented records of our challenges on the roads?” Waema questioned.
The union chairman asserted that addressing security issues requires more than mere public relations efforts. “While some colleagues may choose to attend that meeting, we, as a union, will not participate. Let them first act on the hundreds of recorded occurrences.”
Truck drivers have voiced their intent to down tools if the security situation along the Northern Corridor remains unaddressed. “All we seek is justice for Wilmot and all the other drivers we have lost. We also demand the safe return of Wilmot’s driver partner, as we currently have no information on his whereabouts following the abduction,” Waema stated.
He underscored the vital role truck drivers play in providing essential services, urging the governments of East African Community member states to ensure their safety. Waema warned that failing to address these concerns could trigger a regional strike. “We require security both inside and outside the country. We transport goods unarmed. We even deliver food and medicine to regions where rebels reside, goods that benefit them as well,” he added.
Waema acknowledged that a strike would impact innocent individuals, a scenario they wish to avoid. “However, if it comes to that, we will have no other option. Our lives are more valuable than the goods we deliver.”
He also called upon the Coast regional security forces to enhance patrols along the Northern Corridor, pointing out that the Mazeras area near Bonje has become a hotspot for insecurity. “Not a day goes by without an incident in that area. We fear that if no action is taken, killings may soon occur there,” Waema warned.
He noted with concern that vandals seem to specifically target trucks carrying high-value cargo, raising questions about how criminals can identify these vehicles.
Waema stated that truck drivers have been voicing their security concerns along the Northern Corridor for nearly seven years. They also urged security personnel in the region to be better equipped, citing complaints about outdated vehicles and insufficient resources when responding to incidents.
