A 33-seater matatu was set ablaze by boda boda riders in Umoja, Nairobi, on Friday, November 14, 2025, following a traffic incident along the busy Kangundo Road.
Reports indicate that the minibus swerved to avoid colliding with an oncoming vehicle, drawing the attention of local residents and boda boda riders. A swelling mob confronted the driver before proceeding to set the vehicle on fire. Footage from the scene showed the matatu fully engulfed in flames, leaving behind a metallic wreck.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the fire, but the incident caused major disruption to traffic along the route, which connects Embakasi, Umoja, and Donholm to Kangundo Road. Hours later, traffic police arrived and cordoned off the area to assess the situation and prevent further incidents.
This occurrence has reignited concerns over the growing trend of boda boda riders resorting to mob justice in Kenya. Setting vehicles involved in accidents on fire has led to significant financial losses for commuter bus operators and private vehicle owners, often without insurance compensation.
A similar incident was reported just two weeks ago in Juja, Kiambu County. On November 2, another 33-seater matatu was set on fire after it reportedly ran over a pedestrian along Thika Road, killing the victim instantly. Enraged boda boda riders, supported by local residents, torched the vehicle completely.
Authorities continue to appeal to the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands. While the anger of bystanders is understandable, such acts of mob justice not only endanger lives but also destroy property and strain the transport sector.
As Nairobi grapples with increasing traffic accidents, law enforcement agencies urge commuters, boda boda riders, and local communities to report incidents through proper channels rather than resorting to vigilantism.
