Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president, Nelson Havi has responded to online criticism after he posted pictures of him cycling within Nairobi County.
In social media posts, the Westlands parliamentary aspirant shared images of his bicycle even as he stated that he cycled to attend a church service which sparked mixed reactions from a section of online users.
On Monday, April 18, the outspoken advocate of the High Court of Kenya dismissed claims that the pictures were another public relations (PR) stunt to hoodwink voters as the country gears up for August 9 polls.
He stated that he had been cycling for a long time adding that bicycles were a common means of transport for Kenyans in the 80s and 90s.
"This is not a PR stunt. A bicycle is a means of transport most of our parents in rural areas used. My father, a primary school teacher rode it to Nangili Primary School for the period I was a pupil there (1983-1991) and thereafter to Sango Primary School. He was always suited," he stated.
After his earlier post, a section of online users claimed that he was using the images as PR as some users questioned why he wore a suit while cycling.
He explained that one did not need to change his clothes when cycling further posting images of British Prime Minister Borris Johnson riding a bicycle while wearing a suit.
"In a conducive urban transport environment, which we should strive to attain as it is Europe, people, prominent ones for that matter, cycle to and from work in suits. So do I, within Parklands Ward for instance. Sports attire is necessary only for rigorous training and endurance," he stated.
A section of users also came to his defense calling for better legislative frameworks to protect cyclists using major roads.
"Very true. I spent some time in Europe and in the first few weeks I’d be dropped and picked up by a car. Colleagues were stunned. They asked if I was unwell. Cycling is the preferred mode of transport. It’s healthy and affordable," Solomon Obange, a Twitter user commented.
For years Kenyans have decried the numerous accidents involving bicycle riders using major roads which have been attributed to poor road designs in the country.
The Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill 2022, proposed by Samburu West Member of parliament Naisula Lesuuda, recommends standardized road designs to include sections for cyclists.
"All existing public roads which do not have lanes for tracks designated for use by pedestrians and non-motorised transport shall where appropriate be upgraded to provide walkways and tracks which are clearly marked for exclusive use by pedestrians and bicycles," proposed the Bill.
