How Charles Owino unknowingly shot govt in the foot with his road deaths remarks

Government spokesperson Charles Owino warned that road fatalities in Kenya could escalate further unless citizens take personal responsibility for their actions. In an interview on October 6, 2026, Owino attributed the surge in road deaths to a lack of discipline among Kenyans, particularly within the boda boda sector, whom he described as one of the "rogue industries" on the roads.

Owino cautioned that merely placing blame on the government or existing systems would not solve the problem if road users continued to disregard traffic rules and cooperate with enforcement agencies. He emphasized that a holistic approach involving all members of society is crucial for managing road safety effectively.

The spokesperson singled out boda boda operators, who have been accused of using the wrong side of roads, pedestrian walkways, and ignoring traffic regulations. He also noted that some riders have been observed confronting motorists after crashes, even going as far as burning vehicles.

Owino's comments come in the wake of the Salama road crash on October 3, 2026, which claimed the lives of 17 Catholic pilgrims traveling from St Mathias Mulumba Catholic Parish in Mikindani to the National Shrine in Subukia. The National Transport and Safety Authority has launched an investigation into the collision, which occurred on the Mlima Kiu-Salama section, an area previously flagged for its poor road safety record.

While acknowledging the government's role in road safety enforcement, Owino stressed the importance of behavioral change among road users to reduce fatalities on Kenyan roads. He stressed that if individuals do not assume responsibility for their actions and cooperate with authorities, road deaths are likely to continue rising.