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Boda boda, tuk tuk operators decry harassment, discrimination by traffic officers

Boda Boda riders at Jadini Stage in Kwale. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Sunday, April 7, 2024

Operators from the Mvindeni stage called for leniency from traffic officers when adjudicating accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles.

Operators of boda bodas and tuk tuks have voiced grievances over what they claimed as frequent harassment and discrimination by traffic officers while on the road.

In Kwale County, boda boda operators expressed frustration with what they perceive as unfair treatment from the police.

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Speaking to the Eastleigh Voice recently, operators from the Mvindeni stage called for leniency from traffic officers when adjudicating accidents involving motorbikes and other vehicles.

Ali Bakari, among the operators, lamented that they are often unfairly blamed for accidents.

"Traffic officers tend to view us as troublemakers and reckless drivers, so when they arrive at an accident scene, they often assume it is our fault without proper investigation," Bakari complained.

Regarding the registration of boda bodas, operators welcomed the initiative, believing it would help restore their reputation.

"Many people now associate motorbikes and tuk tuks with crime, which harms our business. Registration will help keep criminals at bay," Bakari said, suggesting that the government introduce badges or uniforms to distinguish honest operators from criminals.

Joseph Mageto urged the police to clear matatu stops of individuals posing as touts, who often disrupt operations and extort money from operators.

"We face harassment from these individuals, who demand money from us before allowing us to pick up passengers," Mageto said.

Operators also called for a rule allowing only touts and drivers at the stage, citing concerns about drug addicts posing as touts and stealing from passengers.

Last week, Kwale Police Commander Stephen Ngetich instructed boda boda chairpersons to register all members to curb criminal activities involving motorcycles.

Ngetich emphasized the need to tackle crime perpetrated by gangs using motorbikes, urging stricter regulation and vigilance at boda boda stages.

"We have had cases of people getting attacked by people on motorcycles. Criminals who rob M-Pesa shops and even criminals who have in the past launched terror on residents in Kwale have used motorbikes. This has made police and even locals negatively view boda boda riders. This move will help in restoring dignity in the sector," he said.

He said registering operators will safeguard innocent operators and aid in identifying strangers who may pose a threat.

"Sometimes a stranger comes to your stage, picks up a customer, and ends up harming them, so when police start their investigation, the crime will be traced to your stage and might put you into trouble, but if you are all registered, then you will be able to know a stranger when he comes, and you can easily send him away if he refuses to be registered," he said.

Furthermore, Ngetich warned operators without insurance policies and licences, attributing many accidents to a lack of proper training and awareness of traffic rules.

"It is these people without skills that cause road accidents for not being aware of the traffic rules. These people overtake and make a U-turn where they are not supposed to," he said.

He also cautioned against the use of roller skates on highways, advising youth to utilise feeder roads to prevent accidents.