A video of former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale riding on a boda boda is making rounds on social media and netizens are not amused.
The video shared on Khalwale’s social media page during the weekend earned him sharp criticism for sharing the rare occasion when he used a boda boda to access Kakamega town.
The clip shows Khalwale in a blue suit, and without any protective gear as prescribed by the transport safety authority. His rider equally had no helmet or a reflector jacket but simply a t-shirt and grey cap.
My mode of transport today in Kakamega.. pic.twitter.com/jDxJNCTNkY
— Boni Khalwale (@KBonimtetezi) June 30, 2018
Netizens were unamused by the senator who a number of them said is supposed to be helping in the installation of the safety requirements prescribed for the boda boda industry.
According to the National Transport and Safety Authority data as at July 1, 2018, at least 275 motorcyclists have died since January this year. This is an increase when compared to the number of deaths recorded over a similar period last year.
An additional 280 riders have been seriously injured this year over what NTSA has repeatedly blamed on non-compliance with safety guidelines and recklessness among motorcycle riders.
Among the safety precautions for riders, NTSA advises that one should ensure arms and legs are completely covered when riding a motorcycle. They should wear leather or heavy jackets.
Other than providing protection, heavy denim with other protective gear also help prevent possible dehydration. Boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your one’s ankles, while gloves are meant to enhance better grip and help protect hands in the event of a crash.
Riders are also required to have a helmet and wear brightly coloured clothes that have reflective material so as to make them more visible to other vehicle drivers on the road.
Here are some of the reactions from a section of Kenyans:
[caption caption="Reactions from Kenyans on Twitter "]
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[caption caption="Reactions from Kenyans on twitter "]
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