Irate boda boda operators in Vihiga on Saturday morning set ablaze a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) after the driver reportedly ran over a motorbike rider in Luanda area along the Kisumu-Busia highway.
According to reports, the accident occurred near the Luanda market after the 14-seater matatu reportedly lost control and struck the rider, killing him instantly.
The incident quickly drew the attention of fellow boda boda riders, who began attacking the matatu driver before they went ahead to set the vehicle ablaze.
As the stalemate escalated, the rowdy boda riders barricaded the Kisumu-Busia highway, disrupting transport along the ever-busy highway that connects Kenya to Uganda.
Following the incident, the Vihiga County Government dispatched a fire engine. However, the riders also attacked the government vehicle.
The firefighters were forced to retreat after the crowds turned rowdy. However, the fire engine overturned while it attempted to negotiate a corner.
Despite attempts by the area police officers to intervene, the angry boda boda riders faulted the matatu driver for allegedly knocking down their colleague intentionally.
Videos and images widely circulated online showed a large crowd standing at a distance even as they watched the vehicle go up in flames.
The footage further depicted the fire engine leaning on one of its sides while the residents rushed to loot a trailer that was carrying soda bottles towards Kisumu city.
The incident has since drawn mixed reactions among Kenyans online, with some accusing the boda riders of allegedly contravening the law. However, others accused the police of negligence by failing to curb the occurrence on time.
In an analogous situation in Nairobi, a 40-seater minibus belonging to a popular commuter Super Metro company was set ablaze after running over a boda rider along the Thika Superhighway.
This took place on Monday, September 1, with the bus being burned beyond repair. Nonetheless, no passenger was injured during the incident.
