Makau Mutua: I won’t apologise, boda boda sector has become lawless
By William Muthama, July 18, 2025President William Ruto’s senior advisor on constitutional affairs Makau Mutua, has doubled down on his scathing criticism of the boda boda sector, insisting he has no apologies to offer.
In a statement posted to his official X account on Friday, July18, 2025, Mutua said the industry had grown into a lawless entity that endangered lives daily.
“I have no apologies to make, or statement to withdraw. You have become a lawless industry,” he wrote, triggering heated exchanges online.
Mutua’s comments were directed at the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, which had earlier called him out for generalising and vilifying riders across the country.
The association demanded a retraction, arguing that his remarks undermined an industry that supports millions of livelihoods.
Cites road mayhem
In his response, Mutua catalogued a litany of grievances: riders going against traffic, carrying up to four passengers often without helmets speeding through urban areas, and fleeing scenes after causing accidents.
He also noted that many boda boda operators work without valid licenses or insurance.
“Your riders endanger lives going in the opposite direction; carrying even up to four passengers at high speeds, including children; moving without helmets for you and your passengers; causing accidents everywhere and fleeing the scene or attacking those you collide with; and breaking every known traffic rule,” Mutua stated.
He further described boda boda riders as “a menace to society and a blight on our cities and towns,” adding that “no modern city or town should tolerate such mayhem and chaos.”
Demands accountability now
Mutua maintained that his position was not an attack on the livelihoods of honest riders but a demand for order.
“We shouldn’t live by the law of the jungle on our roads. Kenya is a constitutional democracy. You must live within the ambit of our constitution and laws, which you blatantly flout as though you are a law unto yourselves,” he said.
Concluding his post with a forceful rejection of lawlessness, he wrote: “We say NYET!”
His remarks have reignited national conversations about the need for boda boda sector reforms and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
Some Kenyans backed his stance, while others accused him of painting all riders with the same brush.