ONDITI: The normalization of reckless driving on Kenyan roads

In recent days, social media has been abuzz following a video posted by journalist Larry Madowo, capturing the driver of the Kibra Member of Parliament dangerously maneuvering through traffic.

What stood out, beyond the reckless act itself, was the air of arrogance and pride in breaking the law as if being associated with leadership granted immunity from responsibility.

This incident is not an isolated one. It reflects a deeply entrenched culture of impunity that has become all too common on Kenyan roads.

Official vehicles, government convoys, and politically connected drivers often disregard basic traffic rules with little or no consequence.

Sadly, this attitude trickles down, normalising bad behavior across the board and setting a poor example for the very citizens these leaders serve.

Kenya continues to witness a worrying number of road accidents, many of which are preventable.

According to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), human error remains the leading cause of fatal accidents from speeding and dangerous overtaking to drunk driving and poor vehicle maintenance.

On highways such as the Nairobi–Nakuru, Thika Superhighway, and Mombasa Road, daily traffic snarl-ups and tragic crashes have become routine, often triggered by just a few careless drivers who choose to ignore the rules.

What’s even more frustrating is the sense of helplessness felt by law-abiding motorists. Many have witnessed reckless drivers sometimes escorted by sirens or flashing lights forcing their way through traffic while police officers look the other way.

This selective enforcement erodes public trust and sends a dangerous message,that the law only applies to some, not all.

For Kenya to move forward, this culture must change. Traffic rules should not be suggestions they are laws meant to protect lives.

The NTSA and the National Police Service must tighten enforcement measures, ensuring that every driver, regardless of social status or political connection, faces the same consequences for breaking the law.

Furthermore, civic education and consistent awareness campaigns must be sustained to remind drivers of the shared responsibility we all have in keeping our roads safe.

Accountability starts with leadership and our elected officials should be the first to demonstrate respect for the law. A leader’s vehicle should symbolise order and discipline, not impunity and recklessness.

At the same time, citizens should embrace a culture of responsibility and report errant drivers through the available channels. Silence only fuels the problem. It is through collective action that we can reclaim sanity on our roads.

The uproar sparked by Larry Madowo’s video should not end as just another trending topic. It must serve as a wake-up call that no one, regardless of their title or position, is above the law.

Until we stop glorifying reckless behavior and start demanding accountability from all road users, Kenya will continue to pay the high price of preventable road carnage. It’s time for change one that puts safety, discipline, and equality before privilege.

Diane Onditi is a Communications & PR Specialist