Teso North Member of Parliament Oku Kaunya has assured that the family of slain truck driver Edwin Njuguna will be compensated.
Njuguna was allegedly killed by armed groups in Bunia, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as he waited for assistance from his employer after his truck broke down before delivering cargo to its destination.
Speaking during the burial of the driver in Malaba, the MP said he will push for the deceased’s employer to compensate the family and, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seek compensation from the government of Congo.
The MP also asked the Kenyan government to uphold its duty of protecting Kenyans both locally and abroad in close collaboration with host countries.
He regretted that long-distance truck drivers face numerous challenges while transporting cargo, especially at border points and roadblocks in South Sudan and Congo, where they are attacked, threatened, and even killed.
“The murder of the driver has shown that long-distance truck drivers are in great danger. I urge the government to enhance the security of drivers transporting goods from Mombasa to other countries so that they can work in a conducive environment,” he added.
The chairman of the Kenya Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA), Elijah Nyaga, mourned Njuguna while decrying poor labour practices faced by truck drivers.
“I urge drivers to sign contracts with employers and join unions, stay in constant communication so that when they need urgent support while outside the country, we can immediately coordinate with relevant authorities to assist them,” Nyaga said.
The chairman of the Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union (KLDTDAWU), Sudi Mwatela, urged the government to address the challenges faced by truck drivers.
He said two drivers have been lost in the past two months, including Njuguna, who was killed in Congo.
The union has also raised serious concerns about the welfare of truck drivers who are forced to work long hours, with some pushing themselves to meet mileage targets due to low pay.
The union wants employers to enforce mandatory off days to enable drivers to have enough rest before embarking on duties.
This comes following accidents and deaths of drivers while in transit, with an incident reported where a driver died while driving along the Kibwezi road two weeks ago, while another was found dead in the driver’s cabin in Amagoro, Teso North.
According to the union, drivers are always harassed, forced to pay bribes, and even compelled to carry luggage while in South Sudan and Congo.
In South Sudan, a driver recorded an incident where he was ordered to stop along the highway by some armed men and forced to carry logs and charcoal.
Still in South Sudan, the union has decried illegal roadblocks along the highway where truck drivers are targeted and forced to pay to be allowed to proceed with their journey.
By Moses Wekesa
