Marsabit Boda Boda Riders Protest Killing, Demand Security

Marsabit, Kenya — 2025-09-10 19:30 EAT. Angry residents and boda boda operators in Marsabit blocked the Marsabit–Moyale highway on Wednesday after a 22-year-old rider was fatally stabbed by men pretending to be passengers.

The Latest

• The attack on 10 September 2025 led to major protests that paralysed traffic near county offices.

• Demonstrators lit bonfires and demanded immediate security action.

• Status: Police confirmed investigations were ongoing as of 19:30 EAT.

Context in Brief

The victim was ferrying two passengers when they turned on him, stabbing him repeatedly before escaping.

Fellow riders reported a pattern of attackers posing as customers before robbing and killing operators, fueling insecurity in Marsabit County.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitutional Mandate: National Police Service obligated under Article 244 of the Constitution to maintain public safety and security.

• Local Governance: Deputy County Commissioner promised an emergency security meeting to review patrols and intelligence operations.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Protesters: “We can’t continue working under such threats,” said one boda boda rider at the highway blockade.

• Officials: Deputy County Commissioner assured investigations and increased patrols to protect riders.

• Residents: Called for long-term solutions including better lighting and CCTV in hotspots.

Evidence & Data

• Fatality: 22-year-old male boda boda operator killed.

• Location: Marsabit–Moyale highway, near county offices.

• Verification: Police reports, eyewitness testimony, county officials on record.

Risks and Implications

• Security: Rising attacks risk economic disruption in a key transport corridor.

• Public Order: Continued protests could escalate if authorities delay action.

• Governance: Highlights gaps in rural policing and intelligence gathering.

What We Don’t Know

• Identity and motive of attackers.

• Timelines for implementing promised security reforms.

• Whether additional security funding will be allocated to Marsabit County.

Timeline

• 2025-09-10, 09:30 EAT: Rider attacked and fatally stabbed.

• 2025-09-10, 11:00 EAT: Protests block Marsabit–Moyale highway.

• 2025-09-10, 14:00 EAT: Officials promise emergency security meeting.

What to Watch

• Outcome of investigations into the killing.

• County security committee’s emergency meeting resolutions.

• National Police Service response on rural highway safety measures.

Editor’s note: Further updates pending from Marsabit County Security Committee.

Corrections: None at this time.