Kenyan Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) is threatening to stall the operations to and from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) corridor following unclear circumstances that led to the killing of Edwin Njuguna.
The association has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity confronting Kenyan truck drivers operating particularly in Bunia and surrounding areas.
In their statement released on Thursday, April 16, the association stated that “the recent tragic killing of Kenyan driver Mr Edwin Njuguna under distressing circumstances marks the third reported incident in recent months.
This highlights a disturbing pattern of heightened risk, inadequate protection, and insufficient accountability in cross-border transport operations across the region.”
LoDDCA is equally alarmed that Njuguna’s employer, has yet to issue an official statement or provide any meaningful support, including assistance with the repatriation of the deceased’s body to Kenya for a dignified burial.
His body is said to have been found in a thicket just a few meters away from the truck which seemed to may have developed mechanical problem. Circumstances leading into his death is yet to be unraveled.
The drivers are worried that the absence of engagement raises serious questions about employer responsibility and points to a recurring pattern in which some transport companies fail to stand by their drivers and families in times of crisis.
These incidents underscore critical systemic failures, including unpredictable and inadequate security arrangements in high-risk zones; weak or delayed emergency response and evacuation mechanisms; gaps in accountability among employers and consignment owners; delays and inconsistencies in coordination following security incidents.
The shortcomings in their perspective continue to expose Kenyan drivers to serious and unacceptable risks while performing their duties.
“The safety of truck drivers on this corridor is not merely a sectoral issue but one of national and regional significance.” they voiced up.
Kenyan drivers are central to sustaining cross-border trade, and their continued exposure to insecurity jeopardizes the welfare of Kenyan citizens working abroad, undermines the reliability of vital trade routes, and threatens Kenya’s strategic role as a regional logistics hub.
the drivers have cautioned that if the trend is left unaddressed, then the risks will erode confidence in cross-border transport systems and hinder broader efforts toward regional trade and integration.
LoDDCA is now calling upon the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to urgently raise the matter through diplomatic channels and engage the relevant authorities in the DRC, with immediate priority given to guaranteed security protection for Kenyan drivers in high-risk areas.
the Association now pleads for enforceable emergency response and evacuation protocols; timely, accountable, and dignified handling of incidents involving Kenyan nationals.
The Association also urges the East African Community (EAC) to treat this issue as a regional priority by developing coordinated cross-border driver safety frameworks; strengthening security collaboration along trade corridors for maximum protection for transport workers across member states.
LoDDCA remains committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders to improve safety conditions.
However, the association cautions that “should the current situation persist without decisive intervention, it will have no option but to consider suspension of operations in high-risk zones.”
They maintain that safety and dignity of Kenyan drivers must be upheld without exception. “No driver should be exposed to avoidable danger or abandoned in the line of duty”
