Motorists association demands action against rogue boda boda riders after Thika killings
News of the killings sparked outrage among local residents and boda boda riders, who torched the officer’s Audi in protest.
The Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) has called for urgent disciplinary measures against boda boda operators, citing escalating attacks and reckless behaviour that endanger drivers and pedestrians across the country.
This follows the fatal shooting of two boda boda riders by a police officer in Thika West Sub-County on Sunday. Police Constable Eric G. N., attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), was arrested after allegedly opening fire on Kennedy Ojuma, 38, and Stephen Mwendwa Maweu, 39, near Makongeni Police Station. Both victims were boda boda operators.
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The incident unfolded after a minor traffic accident between Constable Eric’s black Audi and a motorcycle ridden by Hezron Kariuki Ireri. Police reports indicate that the officer, reportedly armed and intoxicated, resisted attempts by traffic officers to disarm him before shooting the two men, who died on the spot. His service firearm, loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, was recovered.
News of the killings sparked outrage among local residents and boda boda riders, who torched the officer’s Audi in protest. The charred vehicle was later towed to Makongeni Police Station, while the bodies of the deceased were transferred to General Kago Mortuary.
The crime scene was processed by officers from the DCI, the scenes of crime unit and Makongeni Police. The officer is currently being held at Kiambu Police Station and is set to appear in Kiambu Law Courts on Monday for custodial orders as investigations continue.
In a statement on Monday, MAK condemned the rising menace of boda boda riders, describing their actions as “molesting and harassing drivers.”
“We, as an association for motorists, are flabbergasted and deeply angered by the excesses of the boda boda subsector. It pains us that motorists across the country are under siege. From matatus torched in Juja and Luanda, to trailers, buses, pickups and personal cars attacked in broad daylight, even pedestrians are not safe either. Yet, the police fail even to issue warning statements condemning such actions. The silence looks like endorsement, and that is unacceptable,” the association said.
MAK outlined a pattern of lawlessness, noting that riders openly break traffic rules in full view of officers, ride against oncoming traffic, blind motorists at night with bright and flickering lights, cut corners at roundabouts, ride on footpaths, join highways recklessly, switch lanes without signalling, overtake on the wrong side and carry unprotected passengers without reflective clothing.
“They openly jump red lights in the presence of officers, yet enforcement is conveniently absent. These excesses cause numerous accidents, and in most cases, the riders escape, leaving motorists to shoulder the bills. When crashes occur, they mob drivers, demand arbitrary compensation, assault them, and at times even steal from them. This has been the state of affairs for too long,” MAK added.
The association also warned that authorities often act only when VIPs are affected, while ordinary citizens remain unprotected.
“Boda boda riders have taken the law into their own hands, playing judge, jury, and executioner on the roads. Even when they are at fault, their word becomes final. Years of being treated with cotton gloves have emboldened them into arrogance, disrespect, bullying and outright impunity,” MAK said.
MAK urged boda boda associations to take responsibility for their members, discipline lawbreakers and engage with motorists to find lasting solutions.
“Riding is a dignified source of livelihood, but riders must remember that the very people they harass on the roads are also their customers. If they want their sector respected, they must show respect first, respect for the law, respect for other road users and respect for their own profession,” MAK added.
Witnesses said the Thika shooting escalated after other riders pursued Constable Eric, believing he had left the scene improperly following a minor collision. The officer reportedly feared for his safety, prompting him to draw his weapon. Residents and riders responded violently by torching the Audi before police intervened.
Kiambu police commander Doris Mugambi condemned the incident and urged riders not to take the law into their own hands.
She highlighted a rising trend of violence among boda boda riders, including torching buses after accidents in Thika and Donholm.
“We are focusing on those responsible for justice. Riders must allow the law to take its course,” she said.
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