A group of boda boda riders on Friday night torched a 33-seater minibus after it allegedly knocked down one of their colleagues near Mama Lucy Hospital in Embakasi Central, Nairobi.
Police said they are investigating the incident and intend to arrest those involved.
The crash occurred along Kangundo Road when the minibus reportedly swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle, resulting in a collision.
The vehicle, which operates along the Eastern Bypass route, is said to have hit and killed a rider.
The crash drew the attention of nearby residents and boda boda operators, who confronted the minibus driver before the situation escalated.
Footage from the scene showed a mob setting the vehicle on fire as onlookers kept their distance. Police said the driver fled on foot.
Officers further reported that some riders harassed other road users before police arrived minutes later.
The wreckage of both the minibus and the motorcycle was taken to the local police station for further procedures, while the body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy.
Nairobi police boss George Seda condemned the incident, terming the burning of the vehicle a criminal act. He said investigations are underway.
“An accident should be left to authorities to handle and take necessary action. This is bad and criminal behaviour,” Seda said.
Police noted that this is the latest in a series of similar incidents within the past two months, in which several vehicles have been burnt following fatal accidents.
These incidents, which occurred both in Nairobi and along Thika Road, remain under investigation.
Meanwhile, a man died after being attacked by a mob in an alleged failed robbery attempt in Villa, Embakasi.
He had been accused of stealing a gas cylinder.
Police said the man was stoned and later pronounced dead. His body was taken to the mortuary pending an autopsy and further procedures.
Authorities have reiterated that mob attacks and lynchings are illegal, urging members of the public to surrender suspects to law enforcement for due process.
