Mlolongo – Syokimau Bodaboda Association chairman Alex Mutuku (c) addressing reporters at Mlolongo in Machakos county on July 30, 2025./GEORGE OWITIA section of bodaboda officials from Machakos have distanced themselves from a bizarre and chaotic burial ceremony held in Kangundo sub-county, saying those responsible are not part of their fraternity.
Led by Mlolongo–Syokimau Bodaboda Association chairman Alex Mutuku, the officials condemned the disturbing scenes that unfolded during the burial of 24-year-old Leonard Mutua, who reportedly died in a motorbike accident.
Mutuku said those involved were “crooks” intent on damaging the image of legitimate bodaboda operators.
“The bodaboda operator’s burial was hijacked by some youth suspected to belong to an outlawed group. We don’t associate with them. We, as bodaboda operators, respect normal burial processes led by the church, clergy, and bereaved families,” Mutuku said during a press briefing in Mlolongo on Wednesday.
At the centre of the controversy is a group of youth who disrupted the burial, chased away mourners and clergy, and took over the ceremony.
Witnesses say they placed Mutua’s body on top of two motorbikes, smoked bhang, drank alcohol, and poured liquor on the corpse before proceeding with the burial.
Mutuku described the act as “shameful and against African culture,” adding that it disrespected both the dead and the community.
“I have never witnessed such a burial since I was born. We condemn the acts and urge our youth to avoid groupings that bring shame to society. We also ask parents to keep watch over their children—know who they associate with, what they do, and how they earn their living,” he said.
He called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to probe the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Meanwhile, Mutuku and other bodaboda officials used the opportunity to reject the proposed Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill 2023 sponsored by Senator Boni Khalwale, saying the law would cripple the sector.
They cited sections of the bill requiring riders to register with county governments, join Saccos, install tracking devices on motorcycles, and undergo formal training.
“These are infringing on bodaboda operators’ rights. One can’t register four times while he is the same person,” Mutuku said.
He argued that tracking devices should be voluntary and raised concerns about the lack of public participation in drafting the proposed law.
According to the bill, county governments would also set up boards to oversee rider registration, training, and operations—a move the officials fear would add bureaucracy and cost to an already struggling sector.
Mutuku said operators were not consulted and warned that such laws, if passed without rider input, would face strong resistance on the ground.
