Boda Boda Association disowns riders over recent cases of arson, violence as Murkomen vows crackdown

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen during the 37th Jukwaa la Usalama town hall meeting in Vihiga County. (Photo: X/Kipchumba Murkomen)

By Lucy Mumbi
Sunday, September 7, 2025

Murkomen singled out boda boda gangs, rogue groups involved in traffic disruptions, funeral invasions and robberies, as a growing security threat.

Boda boda riders have distanced themselves from recent acts of arson and violence, saying criminal elements posing as operators are undermining the integrity of the transport sector.

This comes after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered a crackdown on criminal networks in Vihiga County, warning that boda boda gangs and drug traffickers are threatening the county’s peace.

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Speaking on Saturday during a security baraza at Jukwaa la Usalama, Murkomen singled out boda boda gangs, rogue groups involved in traffic disruptions, funeral invasions and robberies, as a growing security threat.

“These groups will be among our main targets in the coming crackdown. We will not allow this culture to entrench itself and evolve into more organised criminal networks,” he said.

The announcement followed a violent incident in Luanda Town, Vihiga County, where a boda boda rider was fatally struck by a 14-seater matatu along the Kisumu-Busia highway on September 6. Witnesses said the motorcyclist died instantly, prompting residents to torch the matatu and barricade the highway with bonfires, temporarily disrupting traffic.

During the chaos, a Vihiga County Government fire engine sent to the scene veered off the road and plunged into a ditch, though no injuries were reported. Videos circulated on social media showed thick smoke rising from the burning vehicle as a large crowd watched from a distance.

In response, the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) faulted individuals, often idle youth not registered with the association, for exploiting accidents to commit violent acts.

“We categorically state that such acts of violence do not represent the values, principles, or conduct of the genuine boda boda operators who earn their livelihood by offering safe, affordable, and reliable transport services to millions of Kenyans every day,” BAK President and National Executive Chairman Kevin Mubadi said.

He condemned violent acts carried out by the criminal-minded individuals posing as boda boda operators, saying these actions tarnish the reputation of the sector.

“The Association strongly condemns these acts of violence and wishes to reassure the public that the boda boda sector is committed to peace, safety, and lawful conduct,” he said.

BAK urged all boda boda operators to adhere to the law and desist from mob justice, emphasising that security and justice institutions should professionally handle and process accident scenes.

The association reaffirmed its partnership with the Government of Kenya and relevant agencies to ensure a peaceful and orderly transport environment nationwide.

Mubadi highlighted that the boda boda industry remains a pillar of Kenya’s transport system and a vital source of livelihood for thousands of families, warning that a few misguided individuals will not be allowed to damage the sector’s reputation.

He indicated that true boda boda riders are committed to safety, discipline and lawful conduct, urging members to uphold the reputation of the sector.

The incident comes barely a week after boda boda riders set a matatu belonging to Super Metro Sacco on fire after it allegedly struck and killed a rider. The incident occurred near Juja Town along the Thika Superhighway.