The Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK) and Makau Mutua, President William Ruto’s constitutional advisor, have been at odds over Mutua’s suggestion that riders be removed from the central business district of Nairobi.
Citing safety concerns and unrest, Mutua demanded in a message posted on his X account on Thursday that all boda bodas be banned from metropolitan areas.
“I am convinced that all boda boda should be banned from the streets of all Kenya’s major cities and towns. No modern city should tolerate such chaos, illegality, terrible aesthetics and indiscipline on its roads. Absolutely unacceptable!” wrote Mutua.
BAK responded sharply to the comments, accusing Mutua of sabotaging an important economic sector that provides for millions of Kenyans.
“We strongly condemn the recent statement by Makau Mutua on his social media platforms calling for the banning of all boda bodas from Kenya’s cities and towns,” BAK said in a statement on Friday.
“Such remarks are not only reckless but deeply inconsiderate coming from a leader associated with a government that champions the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a model that places the common mwananchi at the centre of economic growth,” the statement read.
The association emphasized the boda boda industry’s economic contribution, pointing out that it provides for more than 2 million families across the country.
“Boda boda is not just a mode of transport; it is a lifeline for daily income, food, school fees and healthcare,” BAK stated.
According to BAK, seeing the industry as a whole as disorderly and unlawful ignores its contribution to job creation and local economic stability, especially for low-income and youth workers.
Although BAK acknowledged issues including safety and regulation, it stated that organised improvements rather than a ban on the sector are the way to go.
They also urged leaders to support economic empowerment and inclusivity.
“The solution lies in structured engagement, training, policy reform and investment, not sweeping bans,” the association said.
They further called on leaders to champion inclusion and economic empowerment.
Mutua defended his position and intensified his condemnation of the business in a follow-up article on Friday in response to BAK’s criticism.
“To BAK, I have no apologies to make, or statement to withdraw. You have become a lawless industry, your riders endanger lives going in the opposite direction; carrying even up to four passengers at high speeds, including children; moving without helmets for you and your passengers; causing accidents everywhere and fleeing the scene or attacking those you collide with and breaking every known traffic rule,” he wrote.
“Most of you are unlicensed and have no insurance. Your riders are a menace to society and a blight on our cities and towns. No modern city or town should tolerate such mayhem and chaos,” Mutua added.
He concluded by calling on the industry to operate within the law.
“Kenya is a constitutional democracy. You must live within the ambit of our constitution and laws, which you blatantly flout as though you are a law unto yourselves.”
