Kenyan drivers have raised alarm over what they describe as growing lawlessness and harassment from boda boda riders, accusing government agencies of turning a blind eye to the menace.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, September 8, the Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) expressed frustration at the failure of police and regulators to rein in boda boda operators, despite a surge in attacks on road users across the country.
“We, as an association for motorists, are flabbergasted and deeply angered by the excesses of the boda boda subsector in molesting and harassing drivers,” read the statement in part.
“It pains us that motorists across the country are under siege.”
Drivers Accuse Boda Boda Riders of Violence, Impunity on Kenyan Roads
They cited incidents of matatus, trailers, buses, pickups, and private cars being stoned or torched in Juja and Luanda, with pedestrians also falling victim to violent gangs of riders.
The drivers said boda boda riders routinely break traffic rules in full view of officers without consequence.
They alleged that they ride against traffic, jump red lights, switch lanes recklessly, overtake on the wrong side, and even ride on footpaths, endangering both motorists and pedestrians.
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At night, according to MAK, many use blinding lights and carry unprotected passengers without reflective gear, heightening risks of accidents.
“They cut corners at roundabouts, ride on footpaths, join highways recklessly without stopping, switch lanes without indicating, overtake on the wrong side, and carry unprotected passengers at night without any reflective clothing,” MAK said.
According to the drivers, these excesses cause numerous accidents, and in most cases, the riders escape, leaving motorists to shoulder the bills.
“When crashes occur, they mob drivers, demand arbitrary compensation, assault them, and at times even steal from them,” the drivers said, adding that the silence of law enforcers is tantamount to endorsement.
“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.”
MAK claimed that boda boda riders have taken the law into their own hands, acting as judge, jury, and executioner on the roads. Even when they are at fault, their word often becomes final.
The drivers stated that years of being treated with kid gloves have emboldened riders into arrogance, disrespect, bullying, and outright impunity.
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MAK Urges Boda Boda Associations to Rein in Rogue Riders and Restore Order
They further alleged that politicians who rely on boda boda operators during campaigns conveniently forget that the motorists being harassed are also voters and citizens who deserve protection.
“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 drivers said.
They termed the situation as worse in the CBD, where riders disregard traffic flow, ride on pavements, endanger pedestrians, overlap at blind spots, and obstruct junctions with impunity.
For too long, drivers added, they have been victims with no authority to defend themselves and no justice system to deter the excesses of riders.
The drivers called on boda boda associations to take responsibility by reining in their members, disciplining lawbreakers, and engaging motorists in finding lasting solutions. They emphasized that coexistence is possible only when respect for the law is mutual.
“Riding is a dignified source of livelihood, but riders must remember that the very people they harass on the roads are also their customers,” MAK said. “If they want their sector respected, they must first show respect—for the law, for other road users, and for their own profession.”
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