Boda boda killed in road crash given hero’s send-off by colleagues
The coffin containing the body of Jessy Njiru, a boda boda operator who was knocked and killeld by a motorist on February 17, 2016 at Antubochiu shopping centre in Igembe South. His colleagues placed his tools of trade on it to indicate that he was complying with traffic rules. PHOTO | DICKSON MWITI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Jessy Njiru was taking his two passengers to Maua town from Antubochiu when he was knocked down by a Toyota Probox heading to Kimongoro from Maua town and died on the spot a week ago.
- The area Boda Boda Riders Association chairman Boniface Mwirigi termed the death as unfortunate since Njiru had left behind a young family that largely depended on him.
Hundreds of Boda Boda riders from Antubochiu in Meru County gave their colleague who died in a road accident a stylish send off to show their solidarity.
Jessy Njiru was taking his two passengers to Maua town from Antubochiu when he was knocked down by a Toyota Probox heading to Kimongoro from Maua town and died on the spot a week ago.
The area Boda Boda Riders Association chairman Boniface Mwirigi termed the death as unfortunate since Njiru had left behind a young family that largely depended on him.
“Our colleague did not die because he was not following the law but it was out of bad luck and an accident like any other,” he said.
“Our people follow traffic rules as required and that is why we have placed a helmet, reflector jacket, gloves, boots and a driving license to show that Njiru had all that is required as a rider on top of his coffin,” he said.
He said all the riders in the area were united and assist each other during hardships and promised to assist their colleague’s bereaved family.
He urged leaders to intervene in order to stop the harassment they were facing from police officers who he accused of demanding bribes from them thus hampering their business.
“We have those officers who usually wait for us to get bribes and sometimes take our motorcycles if we fail to comply. We want them to understand the hardships we are going through and stop this, “he said.
