If you walk through the busy streets of Nairobi, you cannot miss the endless flow of motorbikes zig-zagging through traffic. These motorbikes, known locally as boda bodas, have become one of the most popular means of transport in the city. They are cheap, fast, and can take passengers to places where cars cannot easily pass.
But recently, one image caught my attention – a motorbike carrying two Somali ladies at once, squeezed together behind the rider. At first glance, it might look like just another normal day on Nairobi roads. Yet, if you look deeper, this single ride tells a story of danger, culture, religion, and human weakness.
The Danger on the Road
Motorbikes are among the most dangerous forms of transport in Nairobi. Accidents involving boda bodas happen almost every day. Riders weave in and out of traffic, often ignoring red lights, riding on pavements, and pushing their machines beyond safe limits.
Now imagine two passengers squeezed onto the back of one bike, with no helmets, no protective gear, and no stability. If that motorbike collides with a car, bus, or lorry, the result is almost always deadly. Lives can be lost within seconds, or people can suffer severe injuries that change their lives forever.
Doctors at Kenyatta National Hospital have repeatedly reported that motorbike accidents account for a large percentage of emergency trauma cases. Bones are broken, heads are crushed, and families are left crying. Sadly, women passengers often suffer the worst because they are less protected and usually not wearing helmets.
Somali Culture and Motorbikes
Among the Somali community, riding on motorbikes is not just a matter of safety – it is also a cultural concern. Traditionally, Somali culture does not encourage women to sit on motorbikes in public spaces. Many elders and community leaders see it as an activity associated with young boys, reckless behavior, and a lack of modesty.
For Somali women, dignity and respect are highly valued. Boarding a motorbike and clinging to a stranger in the middle of the city can be seen as shameful. In fact, many Somali parents openly warn their daughters never to use boda bodas, no matter how urgent their journey is.
So when Somali women are seen being carried on bikes, it immediately raises questions. Why are they doing this? Is it necessity, peer influence, or lack of alternatives?
The Religious Perspective
From a religious point of view, the issue becomes even more sensitive. Islam, which is followed by the Somali community, emphasizes modesty, especially for women. Sitting very close to an unrelated man, holding onto him for balance, and exposing oneself in public in that way is strongly discouraged.
Many sheikhs have spoken against women using boda bodas. They argue that it goes against the principles of modesty (haya) and creates unnecessary physical closeness between non-related men and women. For devout Muslim families, this is more than just a cultural opinion – it is a religious boundary that should not be crossed.
So when Somali women are seen being carried on motorbikes, it sparks deep debates not only about safety but also about faith.
The Rider’s Strange Confession
What makes this issue even more alarming is the confession of some motorbike riders themselves. One rider openly admitted that he likes carrying Somali ladies because of their perfume and scent. He said their nice smell sometimes distracts him from concentrating on the road. In his own shocking words, he admitted that the scent can even cause him physical reactions that may lead to loss of focus.
This is not only disturbing but also extremely dangerous. A distracted driver is as deadly as a drunk driver. If the rider is more focused on how his passenger smells than on the traffic ahead, the risk of a crash multiplies.
This confession reveals a hidden danger that many people do not think about the human weakness of the rider himself.
Why Do Somali Women Still Use Motorbikes?
If the dangers, cultural disapproval, and religious concerns are all so strong, why do some Somali women still use motorbikes? The answer is simple: convenience.
Motorbikes are faster than cars in Nairobi’s traffic jams.
They are cheaper than taxis or ride-hailing apps.
They can access areas where matatus and buses do not reach.
Sometimes, the urgency of reaching a hospital, school, or market forces women to choose the quickest option available.
In other words, necessity often pushes them to break cultural norms. For some, it is also about adapting to city life, where survival sometimes matters more than tradition.
The Clash Between Modern Life and Tradition
This situation highlights a bigger issue – the clash between modern urban life and traditional values. In Nairobi, life is fast, and people are forced to adapt to survive. Yet, Somali culture and religion remain deeply rooted in principles of modesty and respect.
When Somali women ride on motorbikes, they are caught between two worlds:
One world demands speed, convenience, and survival.
The other world demands dignity, modesty, and faithfulness to tradition.
This clash creates confusion, shame, and even heated debates within the community.
What Needs to Change?
This problem cannot be solved overnight, but there are steps that can help reduce the risks and conflicts:
Alternative Transport Options
Somali community leaders and entrepreneurs can invest in safer, female-friendly taxis or vans that cater to women who feel uncomfortable on motorbikes.
Awareness Campaigns
Educating both riders and passengers about the dangers of carrying multiple people on one bike.
Religious Guidance
Local imams can provide clear advice that balances religious principles with the realities of modern life.
Law Enforcement
Police should strictly enforce helmet rules and passenger limits on motorbikes to protect lives.
Community Dialogue
Somali families must openly discuss the pressures their daughters face in Nairobi, instead of shaming them silently.
Conclusion
At first, seeing two Somali women being carried on a motorbike might look harmless. But when you unpack the picture, you see layers of danger, culture, faith, and even human weakness.
Motorbikes may be fast and cheap, but they carry risks that no perfume can hide and no cultural debate can erase. For Somali women, the ride is more than just a journey, it is a dangerous crossing between survival and tradition.
In the end, one question remains: is reaching your destination quickly worth risking your life, your dignity, and even your faith?
The answer should be clear. Some rides are simply too risky to take.
