Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has called on boda boda operators to adhere to traffic rules and shun from reckless behaviors that might endanger their lives and those of other road users.
Kindiki who was speaking during a meeting with Meru County boda boda representatives and Al-Azizia Football Club players in Irunduni, Tharaka Nithi County, urged the riders to avoid careless conduct that might lead to them taking the law into their own hands.
He however noted that most of them are doing genuine business and obeying the law, save for a few who are engaged in criminal activities, that tarnish the image of boda boda sector.
“Most of them are doing business genuinely and are law-obeying, but some are engaging in criminal activities, including reckless use of the roads. This is just a small clique portraying a bad picture of the boda boda industry. They don’t follow the law or designated ways, and they spoil it for all boda boda operators,” Kindiki said.
“Reckless riding and violation of traffic rules are not acceptable. Failure to do so, you endanger your lives and those of other road users.”
The Deputy President however affirmed government’s commitment to supporting the boda boda sector. He also urged other road users to respect the riders, adding that they also have a right to make a living.
“The same way government supports other forms of transport, we will also put efforts in supporting the boda boda sector, and we will protect you,” he said.
“We must respect the boda boda riders because they have the right to make a living like all those in the transport industry.”
Boda boda operators have come under scrutiny in recent weeks after several incidents where vehicles were set ablaze following road accidents.
On September 1, irate riders torched a super metro bus beyond repair, after it allegedly knocked down and killed a rider on Thika Superhighway near Juja Town. The incident along with several others reported, have drawn condemnation with a section of the public calling for rigorous regulation of the sector.
