Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has urged the government to introduce stricter regulations on motorcycles. He says the move is necessary to address the growing number of crimes involving boda bodas.
Call for Front Number Plates
Speaking on Citizen TV on Thursday, September 11, Nyutu proposed that motorcycles should be fitted with front number plates in addition to the back ones. He also suggested that the plates should be larger and more visible.
“I have been wondering whether we should not now have a front number plate and these numbers be made bigger to be easily read from a distance,” he said.
According to him, this change would make it easier for security cameras to capture registration numbers. It would also help police trace riders linked to crimes.
Link to Recent Murder Case
Nyutu’s remarks followed the killing of prominent city lawyer Kyalo Mbobu on September 9. Mbobu was shot dead by two assailants riding a motorcycle along Magadi Road as he drove home from a meeting.
The senator argued that if motorcycles had front number plates, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) could have tracked the attackers more quickly.
Reducing Hit-and-Run Accidents
Nyutu also believes the proposal would help curb road accidents. He explained that in hit-and-run cases, riders could be identified faster, improving road safety.
“We need to think more seriously and regulate motorcycles so that once a crime is committed, within two to three days, we should be able to tell who was using the motorcycle,” he added.
Balancing Security and Employment
While boda bodas remain a key source of income for many youths, they are also increasingly linked to violent crimes. Nyutu has urged the government to act urgently, stressing that regulation is essential for both security and public safety.
