Boda Boda Association Demands Unconditional Apology From Ruto’s Advisor
The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has demanded an apology from President William Ruto’s Constitutional Affairs Advisor, Makau Mutua, over his recent controversial comments.
On Friday morning, the Association condemned Mutua’s comments, which called for a ban on boda bodas in all major towns, as not only irresponsible but also deeply disrespectful.
According to the boda riders, Makau’s words violated the government’s ambitious Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes regular residents in economic progress.
“We strongly condemn the recent statement by Prof. Makau Mutua on his social media platforms calling for the banning of all boda bodas from Kenya’s cities and towns,” read part of a statement by the Association.
@makaumutuaOfficial U need to apologize
— BodaBoda Safety Association of Kenya (@BodaAssnofKenya) July 18, 2025
Statement from the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya(BAK)
We strongly condemn the recent statement by Prof. Makau Mutua on his social Media platforms calling for the banning of all boda bodas from Kenya’s cities and towns. Such…
They believe that boda boda is more than simply a form of transportation; it is a lifeline for over 2 million Kenyan families who rely on the lucrative sector for daily money, food, school fees, and healthcare.
They also stated that the industry is vital since it contributes significantly to job creation and the sustainability of local economies, particularly among young people and low-income workers.
“We acknowledge there are challenges within the industry, including safety and regulation, but the solution lies in structured engagement, training, policy reform, and investment, not sweeping bans,” the Association proposed.
“We urge all leaders, especially those in government, to uphold the principles of inclusion and empowerment, and to work with us towards solutions that uplift, not marginalise, this vital sector of our economy.”
On Thursday, Makau Mutua demanded a complete ban on boda bodas in major cities, accusing the industry of producing urban turmoil, lawlessness, and poor road discipline.
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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😢!!
— Prof Makau Mutua (@makaumutua) July 17, 2025
He went on to argue that no contemporary city, including Kenya, should allow the sector’s disarray, illegality, indiscipline, and bad aesthetics.
“I am convinced that all boda boda should be banned from the streets of all Kenya’s major cities and towns,” Mutua commented.
“No modern city should tolerate such chaos, illegality, terrible aesthetics, and indiscipline on its roads.”
To @BodaAssnofKenya 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…
— Prof Makau Mutua (@makaumutua) July 18, 2025
The advisor’s words elicited an immediate backlash from Kenyans, with some accusing him of aiming to destroy the industry, which contributes considerably to the country’s economic growth.
Boda Boda Association Demands Unconditional Apology From Ruto’s Advisor
