NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for a special Kamukunji sitting to tackle the rising crisis of boda-boda-related accidents, which have become a growing concern across the country.
In his remarks during House proceedings at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, Wetang’ula raised alarm over the increasing number of deaths linked to boda-boda accidents, now surpassing fatalities from motor vehicle accidents.
This disturbing trend, he stressed, demands urgent intervention.
“We cannot sit comfortably in this chamber while our young people are dying in the streets,” Wetang’ula said.
He urged that a Kamukunji be convened as soon as possible to discuss solutions for boda-boda safety, suggesting that MPs should take a proactive role in guiding and educating the youth.
He proposed reallocation of resources, including funding from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), to support local campaigns aimed at restoring order on the roads.
Wetang’ula also criticized the lawlessness on the streets, citing alarming reports of policemen disregarding traffic laws, even as they enforce them.
“I’ve seen four policemen on one boda-boda, one of them sitting on the petrol tank like it’s a toilet. That is not the Kenya we want,” Wetang’ula remarked.
The Speaker drew comparisons to Rwanda, which has implemented strict and effective motorcycle regulations, and urged MPs to educate their constituents on responsible road use.
The call for a Kamukunji not only highlighted the boda-boda safety crisis but also opened the floor to broader concerns about delays in the disbursement of NG-CDF funds.
MPs raised alarm over how these delays have crippled development projects across constituencies. In response, Wetang’ula assured the House that the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury would appear before Parliament the following day to explain the hold-up in the release of the funds.
“When the CS comes, no one—neither Ichung’wah nor Junet—will defend him. He will face this House and tell us, before the close of this financial year, that every shilling of CDF will be in our constituency accounts,” Wetang’ula stated.
Additionally, the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), which is critical for supporting women’s development projects, was also brought into the discussion.
Women Representatives expressed concerns over the limited attention NGAAF receives in comparison to NG-CDF.
Speaker Wetang’ula defended their cause, saying, “As we fight for CDF, we shall fight equally for NGAAF. No fund should be left behind as we work to transform the lives of Kenyans.”
He vowed to stand as a defender for Women Representatives, ensuring that NGAAF receives the support it deserves.
Wetang’ula urged MPs to remain calm but emphasized that when the Treasury CS appears, they should come prepared for serious and direct deliberations.
“Come with your sharpest knives, your sharpest tongues, and your harshest language if you must,” Wetang’ula said. “We must protect our people and hold this government accountable.”
His remarks mark a significant shift in parliamentary leadership, with Wetang’ula moving beyond procedural protocol to focus on practical, community-driven solutions.
The proposed Kamukunji, coupled with the renewed focus on NG-CDF and NGAAF efficiency, signals a bold approach in Parliament’s efforts to address urgent socio-economic and safety challenges at the grassroots level.
