NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 7- A petition seeking drastic regulations in Kenya’s Boda Boda sector has seen more than 59,000 people support it in hours.
The online petition is calling for drastic regulatory measures within the chaotic sector, whose operators are known for operating with utter impunity.
The petition was started on Monday after a video of a woman who was sexually assaulted in Nairobi on March 4 went viral, drawing widespread outrage.
Sign the petition; https://www.change.org/p/bodaboda-safety-association-of-kenya-regulations-on-bodaboda-operations-in-kenya?redirect=false
The woman had been involved in an accident when rogue Boda Boda riders attacked her.
They also stole her phone and cash amounting to Sh130,000.
Government officials led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi and her Energy counterpart Dr. Monica Juma have condemned the incident.
“We must protect our roads from such vile and reprehensible acts of aggression,” the Interior Cabinet Secretary said.
“I have asked our security agents to ensure that all the perpetrators of this dastardly act are swiftly apprehended and suitably punished for their heinous act.”
The video emerged a few hours before International Women’s Day, when such incidents are condemned and ways of promoting and protecting women discussed.
While it is the latest, it is not an isolated incident.
Public Prosecutor, Duncan Ondimu called on police to launch a major crackdown, targeting all rogue Boda Boda operators, following the incident.
“This is the time for the National Police Service to conduct a serious crackdown on Boda Boda who flout traffic laws. Very few of them have driving permits and insurance,” he said.
Celebrated Kenyan journalist Laura Walubengo called on stringent measures against rogue Boda Boda operators, saying they must be accountable for their actions.
“How did we get this low? If we so readily oppress one another… are we so badly scarred that we’ve such little respect for each other? Boda riders need to be kept in check. Uber-style accountability,” she said in a Tweet.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also condemned the incident, saying “it is my prayer that this is the last act of violence against women we witness by Boda Boda riders.”
Just like other Kenyans, the ODM leader said, the riders should be subjected to law.
“Boda Boda riders are not above the law and like any industry, needs to be regulated,” he asserted.
“We ask that this incident calls us a society to sobriety and the Government moves with speed to fully regulate the transport sector; Boda Bodas included.”
The Federation of Women Lawyers- Kenya (FIDA) has meanwhile planned a “peaceful procession” on Tuesday, in protest against violence against women and girls, in public and private places.
The procession will start from Green Park Terminus along Haile Selassie Avenue to Inspector General’s office along Taifa Road. It will start at 8 am.
The world will be marking International Women’s Day.
Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said police had arrested 16 suspects on Monday evening and seized several motorcycles over the incident.
Human Rights organisations like Amnesty International-Kenya, International Commission of Jurists-Kenya and Usikimye, have condemned the incident and called for swift action against the perpetrators.
They also called for regulation in the Boda Boda sector, which employs at least 2 million people.
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