The Motorist Association of Kenya has sounded the alarm over what it terms rampant indiscipline among boda boda riders, accusing them of endangering lives and flouting traffic rules with impunity.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Association faulted the riders for harassing drivers and operating recklessly in full view of police officers, who they claim have failed to take action.
“They ride against oncoming traffic, blind motorists with full beams at night, use flickering coloured lights, and force drivers into dangerous swerves,” the statement read in part.
The Association further accused boda boda riders of cutting corners at roundabouts, using pedestrian footpaths, recklessly joining highways without stopping, switching lanes without indicators, overtaking on the wrong side, and ferrying passengers without protective gear or reflective clothing.
According to motorists, these behaviors not only compromise road safety but also turn tragic when accidents occur. “When crashes happen, they mob drivers, demand arbitrary compensation, assault them, and in some cases, even steal from them,” the Association said.
The statement also condemned cases where boda boda riders have torched vehicles and attacked motorists, accusing police of failing to even issue warnings. “The silence looks like endorsement. Authorities only act when a VIP is affected, but when ordinary citizens are beaten, robbed, or have their cars torched, nothing is done,” it added.
The Association now wants boda boda unions to rein in their members, stressing the need for mutual respect on the roads.
“If the sector wants to be respected, it must respect the law, other road users, and its own profession,” the Association concluded.
