The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has voiced deep concern over what it calls a disturbing rise in violent behavior involving boda boda riders the latest incident being the torching of a DCI officer’s car in Thika’s Makongeni area.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Monday, the association condemned what it described as a growing trend of “lawlessness and impunity” among some boda boda operators.
The group also expressed frustration at what they see as a lack of government action and indifference by law enforcement.
“This has been the reality for far too long,” the statement read. “Authorities only seem to react when someone powerful is affected. But when ordinary motorists are insulted, assaulted, robbed, or their cars set ablaze, there’s silence.”
The association painted a grim picture of everyday road experiences, where motorists say they face increasing hostility from riders. It accused some boda boda operators of frequently breaking traffic rules riding on sidewalks, ignoring traffic lights, overtaking recklessly, and even going against traffic often right in front of police officers who allegedly do nothing.
MAK claimed that in many road altercations, especially when riders are at fault, they flee the scene. However, when the roles are reversed, the situation can quickly escalate, with drivers reportedly being surrounded, attacked, or coerced into paying instant compensation sometimes even being robbed.
“Today in Kenya, it feels like we have two sets of traffic laws one for everyone else and another for boda boda riders, who often behave as if they’re above the law,” the statement said. “In places like the CBD, they block junctions, overlap dangerously, ride on pavements, and endanger both drivers and pedestrians alike.”
The statement comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Thika on Sunday, where two boda boda riders were shot and killed by a DCI officer following a confrontation.
In retaliation, fellow riders set the officer’s vehicle on fire. The officer has since been arrested, but the event has stirred national debate.
MAK acknowledged the tragedy of the lives lost but said the retaliation reflects a deeper, systemic problem that cannot be ignored.
“This is not just about one incident,” the group stated. “It’s part of a pattern that speaks to a much larger issue of unchecked lawlessness.”
The association is now calling on boda boda leadership to take accountability and enforce discipline among their members.
They are urging operators’ unions and associations to educate riders on road safety, lawful conduct, and conflict de-escalation.
This isn’t the first such incident in recent weeks. Just days before the Thika confrontation, boda boda riders were accused of torching a Super Metro bus after it allegedly knocked down and killed a fellow rider.
For MAK, these recurring events are a sign that urgent action is needed not just to protect motorists, but to restore order and safety on Kenyan roads for all.
