NAIROBI, Kenya – The Motorist Association of Kenya has sounded the alarm over what it terms “rampant misconduct” by boda boda riders, accusing them of endangering motorists and operating with impunity in full view of police officers.
In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, the Association said riders openly flout traffic laws without consequences, warning that the situation has become a national safety crisis.
“They ride against oncoming traffic, blind motorists at night with full beams and flickering coloured lights, cut corners at roundabouts, and even ride on footpaths,” the statement read in part. “They join highways recklessly without stopping, overtake on the wrong side, and carry unprotected passengers at night without reflective gear.”
The Association claimed that when accidents occur, boda boda riders often flee or turn against drivers.
“When crashes occur, they mob motorists, demand arbitrary compensation, assault them, and in some cases even steal from them,” it added, citing instances where cars have been torched in retaliatory attacks.
The body faulted police for what it described as a worrying silence in the face of escalating incidents.
“The police fail even to issue warning statements condemning such actions. Authorities only act when a VIP is affected, but when ordinary citizens are insulted, beaten, robbed, or have their vehicles torched, silence reigns. The silence looks like endorsement, and that is unacceptable,” the Association said.
It is now calling on boda boda associations to take responsibility for their members and work with authorities to restore order.
“If they want their sector respected, they must first show respect—respect for the law, respect for other road users, and respect for their own profession,” the Association stressed.
The statement comes amid rising public concern over road safety and boda boda-related violence, with motorists urging the government to rein in what has become one of Kenya’s most chaotic transport sectors.
