Images of the torched Land Rover./SCREENGRAB
A Land Rover was set ablaze by boda boda riders on Saturday night after it was involved in an accident with a motorbike along Thika Superhighway.
The incident, which occurred near the National Youth Service (NYS) area, drew a huge crowd and caused heavy traffic that stretched for hours.
Videos shared online showed the vehicle engulfed in flames as riders shouted for the driver to be handed over to them.
This comes barely a week after a similar incident on Jogoo Road, where boda boda operators torched a City Shuttle bus on August 7 following a collision that left a rider dead.
The bus was reduced to a shell as passengers were forced to flee before the operators struck. Witnesses in both cases accused emergency services of a delayed response, saying it allowed the violence to escalate.
Following the Saturday night incident, the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) has strongly condemned the latest attack, describing it as reckless and a blow to efforts aimed at instilling discipline in the industry.
“BAK strongly condemns the unfortunate incident on Thika Road where a vehicle was torched following a collision with a boda boda rider,” said National Executive Chairman Kevin Mubadi.
“While we deeply sympathise with the rider involved in the accident, we firmly reiterate that violence, destruction of property, and taking the law into one’s own hands are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Mubadi insisted that all those involved must be held accountable.
“BAK confirms that all individuals involved in this unfortunate act of lawlessness must be arrested and prosecuted to serve as an example. Such behaviour not only tarnishes the image of our sector but also endangers the lives of innocent Kenyans and undermines efforts to professionalise the boda boda industry.”
The association urged riders to avoid mob justice and instead allow police, medical, and insurance processes to take their course whenever accidents occur.
“As an association, we emphasise that we do not advocate for chaos after an accident. Proper legal and safety procedures must always be followed. Justice must be sought through lawful channels,” BAK said in a statement.
It further reaffirmed its mission to promote order and professionalism in the sector, calling for restraint and respect for the law.
“Peace, safety, and discipline remain at the core of BAK’s mission in transforming the boda boda sector. We urge all boda boda riders across the country to exercise restraint, respect the law, and avoid actions that may escalate conflicts or bring disrepute to the sector. We also call upon law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively in handling this matter,” the statement added.
The condemnation comes amid growing concern over repeated incidents of boda boda-related mob attacks, which stakeholders warn threaten road safety and continue to damage the industry’s reputation.
