A troubling trend has emerged among some young people, particularly of Somali origin, who have been creating TikTok content in the middle of busy roads — including the high-traffic Muthaiga underpass in Nairobi.
Several viral videos show youths daring speeding vehicles and motorbikes in an attempt to gain views and online fame. However, these reckless stunts have not gone unnoticed, as Kenyans have condemned the behavior, warning that the pursuit of social media fame is not worth risking lives.
In one recent incident, a young Somali boy was critically injured after being hit by a moving Matatu while shooting a TikTok video in the middle of the road. Eyewitnesses reported that he attempted to “dare” the vehicle, but miscalculated his timing. The collision left him with serious injuries, and he is currently receiving treatment in a Nairobi hospital.
Authorities and road safety advocates have called for urgent awareness campaigns targeting young people, emphasizing that such stunts are extremely dangerous and can have fatal consequences. While social media platforms encourage creativity and content sharing, life-threatening acts like these cross the line into recklessness.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that no number of likes, views, or followers is worth putting one’s life at risk. Communities and parents have also been urged to guide youths on safe ways to create online content without endangering themselves or others.
