Alarm as third Kenyan driver killed in Eastern DRC

The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association has raised fresh concern over the safety of Kenyan truck drivers operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after another driver was killed, marking the third such incident in a short period.

In a statement issued on April 16, the association said the latest killing of Kenyan driver Edwin Njuguna under “distressing circumstances” reflects a troubling trend of rising danger, poor protection, and weak accountability in cross-border transport, especially in Bunia and nearby areas.

“The recent tragic killing of Kenyan driver Mr. Edwin Njuguna… marks the third reported incident in the recent past, highlighting a growing pattern of risk, inadequate protection, and insufficient accountability,” LoDDCA said.

The association pointed to deep-rooted challenges affecting drivers in the region, including unreliable security arrangements, slow or ineffective emergency response systems, and gaps in responsibility among employers and cargo handlers.

It warned that these issues continue to expose Kenyan drivers to “serious and unacceptable risks” while carrying out their work.

LoDDCA also took issue with employers, singling out Atlas Mar & Co. Ltd for what it described as lack of support to families of affected drivers. It said the company had not issued any official communication or taken steps to assist, including helping return the body of the deceased driver to Kenya.

“LoDDCA is further concerned that the employer… has not issued an official statement or demonstrated meaningful engagement or support, including assistance in the repatriation of the deceased’s body,” the statement read.

The association stressed that the safety of truck drivers goes beyond the transport sector, saying it is a matter of national and regional importance.

It noted that Kenyan drivers play a key role in keeping cross-border trade moving and supporting supply chains across the region.

“If left unaddressed, these risks will erode confidence in cross-border transport systems and negatively impact regional trade and integration,” it cautioned.

LoDDCA is now calling on the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to urgently take up the matter with authorities in the DRC. It wants firm security guarantees for drivers, clear evacuation procedures, and proper handling of incidents involving Kenyan nationals.

At the regional level, the association urged the East African Community to treat the situation as urgent by improving joint security efforts and putting in place coordinated safety measures for drivers operating across borders.

It warned that continued inaction could force it to advise drivers and transporters to stop operations in high-risk areas.

“Should the current situation persist without meaningful intervention, the Association will be compelled to consider further measures,” it said.