President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet has urged boda boda riders to
uphold discipline, respect their work, and support government empowerment
programs, warning that rising lawlessness in the sector is undermining public
safety and service delivery.
Speaking during a bodaboda empowerment event in Masii, Machakos
County, Kibet asked operators to obey traffic regulations and avoid engaging in
criminal activities.
He stressed that boda boda riders perform essential duties in society and
should not allow misconduct to overshadow their contribution.
“Give your job the respect it deserves. This is
the work that helps you feed your families and support yourselves. Your work is
no different from what happens in Parliament,” Kibet said.
He also warned riders against drunk driving,
adding: “You have important duties — like taking children to school and adults
to work. Please avoid riding after drinking alcohol. If you get injured, you
may not be able to ride the next day.”
His comments come in the wake of several
violent incidents involving boda boda operators.
In recent weeks, riders have torched at least three vehicles after road
accidents, including one belonging to a Directorate of Criminal Investigations
(DCI) officer. Such incidents have raised concerns about mob justice and safety
on the roads.
Industry stakeholders have condemned the
violence, describing it as unacceptable.
“Accidents are unfortunate, but must
never lead to mob justice. Kenya is a country governed by law. Burning vehicles
and violence is pure lawlessness,” said Matatu and Motorbike Operators
Association (MMOA) Secretary Wilfred Bosire.
MMOA Chairperson Nelson Mwangi accused
government authorities of remaining silent on the matter.
“We haven’t heard from the Interior Minister, the Transport Minister, or the
NTSA condemning these acts. Enough is enough,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government is rolling out
empowerment initiatives targeting the boda boda sector.
In Mwala Constituency, hundreds of youth this week received 200 electric
motorcycles through a program spearheaded by area MP Vincent Kawaya in
partnership with the national government, Kenya Commercial Bank, and electric
mobility firm Spiro.
The initiative seeks to modernize the boda
boda industry and promote clean, sustainable transport while creating new
economic opportunities for young people.
