A Muslim religious leader from Garissa has asked the county government to ban use of motorbikes and introduce optional means of transport to protect their lives and dignity.
Sheikh Ali Hassan sent a letter to the County Government urging it to ban women from using motorbikes as means of transport and instead introduce optional means like tuk tuks.
“These boda bodas embarrass our women. At least, the tuk tuks will protect their dignity and reduce the rampant accidents,” he said.
Hassan said children drop out of school to join boda boda business saying that it endangers their lives since majority are not trained riders.
“The motorbikes are a threat to the youth’s livelihood, safety and future. Most of them are not even trained and that is why we are having so many accidents,” he said.
However, some women from the county have refuted Sheikh’s opinion arguing that it’s ones choice to use any means of transport.
“If somebody wants to decide how I travel, then, he should foot the bill. It is unfair to prevent us from using boda boada since they are affordable,” Isnino Mohamed, a Garissa county resident said.