Boda boda riders block speeding muguka vehicles in Mwea, threaten to enforce own ‘traffic rules’

On Monday, riders intercepted a speeding Probox ferrying muguka near the Kirinyaga County cess collection point after the driver allegedly refused to stop. The operators blocked the vehicle and escorted it to Wang’uru Police Station. They later tracked down the driver and two assistants and handed them over to police.

Mwea boda boda chairman Michael Kamau Kariua said the riders had resolved to bar muguka and miraa vehicles from passing through Ngurubani town due to reckless driving.

“We had agreed with them not to use this road, but we were shocked to see them back and still overspeeding,” Kamau said.

The action follows a fatal accident on Sunday in which a speeding muguka vehicle hit and killed 39-year-old boda boda rider John Wachira from Gakungu. Wachira, who also worked as a casual labourer drying rice for local traders, is set to be buried on Wednesday.

“They should find alternative means if they want to speed. They will not use this route,” Kamau added. “As Kirinyaga boda boda riders, we will also block the Samson Corner–Kutus–Kagio–Sagana route, where they diverted after the accident.”

Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as riders and residents pursued the three suspects before taking them to Wang’uru Police Station. The vehicle, loaded with muguka, was towed to the station.

“We want them to watch their muguka go to waste at the station. We will not allow them back,” said rider Peter Njeru.

Tebere Ward MCA Peter Karinga, who joined the riders, said he had previously erected a temporary sign at Murubara warning motorists to observe a 50 km/h speed limit, but it was later vandalised.

“Unless muguka and miraa associations engage with us, no vehicle will pass here. We are still in pain. In 2024, two children were killed near Ngurubani Primary School, and lives are still being lost. Only God has the right to take life,” Karinga said.

The riders said they will continue to apprehend speeding drivers and hand them over to police, maintaining that they will not destroy the miraa or muguka but will instead allow it to remain at the station.