Detectives are pursuing a gang of boda boda riders who burnt down an Audi SUV following a fatal accident near Kenyatta University along Thika Road.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to police and eyewitnesses, the Audi driver was speeding along the service lane from Ruiru towards the city centre when a rider—reportedly riding in the wrong direction—collided with the vehicle. The rider died instantly.
The shaken driver pulled over a few metres ahead, intending to address the accident, but was quickly surrounded by a mob of riders. Witnesses say the group turned violent, assaulted the driver, and forced him to flee for his life.
The mob then vandalised, looted, and set the Audi ablaze, reducing it to ashes before fire engines could intervene.
Violence and Traffic Disruption
The riders went on to block traffic on both sides of Thika Road for hours, causing a massive traffic snarl-up as police struggled to restore order. The charred wreckage was later towed to a nearby station for forensic examination.
Police have condemned the actions, terming them criminal. They have vowed to arrest those behind the violence, adding that the suspects face charges of arson, malicious damage to property, and robbery with violence.
A Pattern of Lawlessness
Authorities say this is the fourth such incident in one month involving boda boda riders:
- In Donholm, Nairobi, riders torched a Public Service Vehicle.
- Along Thika Road near Juja, another PSV was vandalised.
- In Thika Town, an Audi belonging to a police officer was burnt.
The latest attack has reignited concerns about boda boda indiscipline and mob justice on Kenyan roads.
Police Response
A special team of detectives has already visited the scene and is reviewing CCTV footage to identify the culprits. “We will not tolerate criminal gangs hiding under the boda boda sector. Those behind this will face the law,” police said.
