Kindiki sounds alarm over rogue boda boda operators
By Aloys Michael, September 9, 2025Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has sounded an alarm over the growing lawlessness among a section of rogue boda boda operators in the country.
The remarks come amid calls for tougher actions on boda boda operators who are involved in crime.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, during an engagement event with Meru County Boda boda representatives and Al-Azizia Football Club players and fans in Îrunduni, Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki expressed grave concern over the dangerous behaviour of a small yet increasingly vocal group of riders who have been ignoring traffic laws and endangering lives.
“We want to have order in transport. There are a few who do not want to obey traffic laws; they overspeed and use wrong lanes on busy highways, destroying for genuine ones who want to earn a living,” the DP said.
Elsewhere, Farouk Kibet urged Boda Boda riders to embrace civility and government programs.
His remarks come at a time when some operators have gained notoriety for speeding through busy streets, violating traffic rules, and even engaging in violent confrontations with law enforcement.
“Boda boda riding is a legitimate business for many, but there are individuals who are using this opportunity to cause havoc,” Kindiki stated.
He emphasised the government’s intention to restore order and ensure that those genuinely relying on boda bodas for their livelihood are not punished because of the reckless few.
“We must enforce the rule of law for the safety of everyone, including the boda boda riders themselves,” he asserted.
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Safeguarding the bodaboda sector
The move also comes after President William Ruto has dismissed a proposal to ban boda bodas from all major cities and towns, jumping to the defence of the transport sector players who employ hundreds.
In a meeting with national leaders of boda bodas at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 7, Ruto vowed that no leader will harm boda bodas, crediting them for playing a key role in his ascent to power in the 2022 General Election.
“In the past election, two groups were at the centre of ensuring leaders got elected: boda bodas and mama mbogas. There is nobody who should threaten the boda boda business,” Ruto asserted.
However, despite the Head of State’s pledge to safeguard the key transport sector, recent incidents, Kindiki said, call for tougher policy to curb the menace from a few traffic and law offenders among the bodaboda operators.
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, an irate mob in Thika’s Makongeni estate set ablaze a private vehicle following a road accident near the local police station.
According to eyewitnesses, the officer drew his firearm during the confrontation and fatally shot two riders, further fuelling anger among the mob.
In retaliation, the boda boda operators torched the vehicle, reducing it to a shell as tension gripped the area.