A Ksh100 motorbike riding competition by two riders at Gakoe village in Gatundu North, Kiambu County has been blamed for the death of one of the riders.
The young man, aged 20 and only known as Kimani, is reported to have been hit by an oncoming personal vehicle as he overtook a lorry that was driving at a low speed as he wanted to beat his colleague in a race that was sponsored by a local.
"He wanted to win the Ksh100 sponsored race but barely a few meters after the starting point, he was hit by a personal vehicle as he accelerated to overtake a slowly moving lorry," Joel Kamoche, a rider said.
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According to a section of riders, the man died on the spot leaving them in shock as he (the deceased) had only been on the road for three months.
Patrick Mwangi Ng'ang'a, the chairman of Bodaboda operators in the village stated that Kimani is one of the many school dropouts in the area who have fallen prey to quick cash made by riders.
He said that most parents have been buying motorbikes for their children once and or before they complete secondary school education to enable them live dignified lives.
The business, he said has sent many youngsters to the grave, many of whom he said had not gone to driving schools to even learn requisite road signs.
"It's sad that many of our immature youngsters are joining this business even before they go to school. Most of them have been reckless enough and do not even observe road signs," Mwangi regretted .
He said that sensitization forums will be conducted in the area to educate new riders on how to be safe on the road.
Benson Kimani Githaiga, another Gakoe rider, said that death of the young soul was as a result of recklessness and urged his fellow riders to be keen enough to save their lives and those of their passengers.
"We are in shock mourning a young rider who had not even married. My fellow riders, avoid abuse of drugs and be keen enough to ensure you remain safe all the time," said Githaiga.
