Motorists Association Sounds Alarm Over Rising Boda Boda Violence

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has issued a stern warning over what it terms as an alarming rise in lawlessness among boda boda operators, following a violent incident in Thika’s Makongeni area where a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer’s car was set ablaze.

In a strongly worded statement, the association decried the “growing excesses” of boda boda operators, warning that unchecked violence, harassment, and traffic indiscipline were putting motorists and pedestrians at risk. MAK further accused government authorities and law enforcement of turning a blind eye to repeated violations by riders.

“This has been the state of affairs for too long. Authorities only act when a VIP is affected, but when ordinary citizens are insulted, beaten, robbed, or have their vehicles torched, silence reigns,” the statement read.

According to the association, boda boda operators routinely flout traffic rules in full view of police officers by overlapping, riding against traffic, ignoring red lights, and even using pedestrian footpaths. Worse still, when accidents occur, operators often flee if they are at fault but resort to mob violence if a motorist is to blame. In some cases, MAK noted, drivers are allegedly assaulted, forced into on-the-spot compensation, or even robbed.

“Today in Kenya, we live under two sets of laws: one for all other road users, and another for boda boda riders, who operate as if untouchable,” the association added, pointing to Nairobi’s Central Business District as a hotspot of reckless behavior.

The statement followed a harrowing road rage incident in Thika on Sunday, where two riders were shot dead by a DCI officer during a confrontation. In retaliation, other operators torched the officer’s vehicle, sparking outrage. The officer has since been arrested.

While acknowledging the tragedy of the lives lost, MAK said the retaliation was symptomatic of a wider culture of impunity. It urged boda boda associations to step up internal discipline, educate members on road safety, and work with authorities to restore order.

The Thika violence came just a week after boda boda riders were accused of torching a Super Metro bus in Nairobi, allegedly after one of their own was killed in a traffic incident.

As tensions rise, calls for stricter regulation and enforcement of traffic laws on boda boda operators are intensifying, with motorists warning that inaction could embolden further lawlessness on Kenyan roads.