Ruto Advisor Makau Mutua Calls for Boda Boda Ban in Cities & Towns

A recent suggestion by Professor Makau Mutua, Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of President William Ruto, to ban boda bodas from the streets of all major Kenyan towns and cities has ignited a widespread debate across social media platforms.

Professor Mutua, known for his distinguished career as a legal scholar and his recent role as a spokesperson for the Azimio la Umoja campaign, voiced his conviction on his X (formerly Twitter) page on July 17, 2025.

He argued that no modern city should tolerate what he termed as the bodaboda chaos within major towns.

“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,” Mutua tweeted.

The proposal swiftly drew diverse reactions, primarily highlighting the complex role boda bodas play in Kenya's economy and transport system.

Many respondents countered Professor Mutua's stance, emphasizing the sector's crucial contribution to livelihoods and employment. Several users pointed out that banning boda bodas would not resolve underlying economic challenges and could lead to increased chaos, dismissing the suggestion as detached from the realities faced by many Kenyans.

@KinyanBoy: You're speaking from a privileged point of view, must be nice. Boda Boda is a menace, yes, but its hold on the economy is solid. What's needed is just strict regulations, Kunywa iced tea prof utulie.

@mogire_jusper: Elitism speaking, trying to remove the "rabble" from coming into contact with their polished self but still need the same people to wash your cars and homes, which you acquired mostly illegally or under privilege and access to power, and pay them peanuts....nkt.

@Abishai77777: They are the majority. You in your comfy car with blastingACare the minority.

@georgenjoroge: I fully support this, coincidentally, the majority of that chaos is fueled by riders from Luo Nyanza anyway. But let's be honest, I doubt Baba would ever back this kind of order. His political base strongly lacks discipline; disorder is their brand!

@Katya_Natures: You can't legislate away economic problems. Banning boda bodas from our roads won't solve the deeper issues — in fact, it risks creating even greater chaos. The boda boda sector is not just a transport option; it is a lifeline for thousands of our youth. It provides employment.

@senmongare: Prof. Makau Mutua, your call to ban boda bodas reeks of detachment, perhaps the cost of your long academic exile abroad. While you were away, boda bodas became Kenya’s lifeline, employing millions of teachers, nurses, andengineers driven not by choice, but by necessity. Instead of banning, advocate for structured regulation like Rwanda’s model.

The boda boda industry in Kenya has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings as bicycle taxis in border towns, transitioning to motorized two-wheelers that have become an indispensable part of the country's transport infrastructure.

This sector has absorbed millions of young Kenyans into employment, providing a critical source of income for households and addressing the challenge of last-mile connectivity, particularly in informal settlements and areas underserved by conventional public transport.

However, the rapid growth of the boda boda sector has also brought forth a number of challenges. Concerns surrounding road safety, including a high incidence of accidents, traffic indiscipline, and contributions to urban congestion, have frequently been raised.

There have also been instances linking some operators to criminal activities, further complicating the sector's public perception and regulatory efforts.