By Precious D. Freeman
The former president of the National Federation of Motorcyclist and Tricyclists of Liberia (NAFOMTAL), John Kenyor, has reportedly being attacked by aggrieved motorcyclists on allegations of not pushing the interest and welfare of the riders, but instead, working with the government to put an end to their daily hustles.
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the Liberian Government, through its national police, launched full implementation of a new regulation aiming to have all commercial motorcyclists riding in the country fully attired in protective gears that will meet up with basic public safety guidelines.
During the early morning hours, police officers were deployed at major intersections doing inspection to have the motorcyclists in adherence to the restriction, following prolonged publicity and agreement between the police, the media, and the members of the tricycle and motorcycle unions.
In the heat of the implementation of the regulation, the president of the union reported his life-threatening situation of a terrifying attack by a huge number of bike riders in the city of Paynesville, who attempted to take his life, bashing his new car.
John Kenyor said his attackers informed him that because he feels satisfied working with the Liberia National Police in taking them from the streets, they will go after him to make sure that he is taken from the picture to have them running without regulation.
With bruises in his face and some bodily injuries, Kenyor asserted that Liberia is becoming a place of lawlessness, with the action of the motorcyclists, and police should not be deterred to continue the inspection so that there can be safety for both the passengers and the riders.
He clarified that his intention as a former leader of the union is to work with the government and other partners to guarantee the safety of his fellow motorcyclists in order to have the number of deaths by accident and injuries that affect bike riders and their passengers on a daily basis, drastically reduced.
“They wasted gas on my car, knocking it with irons and machetes. Some hit me with weapons till a police officer got in the vehicle and took me away. They are still chasing my family and threatening to kill me for reasons best known to themselves. I am not afraid to do the right thing, so this regulation must be implemented,” the motorcyclists’ leader stressed.
He called on foreign partners to Liberia, including embassies and diplomatic missions, to intervene in the safety of his life, along with his family, as he continues to stand for the right thing in the country.
Meanwhile, several citizens have expressed frustration over the police’s recent ‘No Go Zone’ Policy for motorcyclists in central Monrovia.
According to them, the policy needs to be revised and evaluated properly because it is affecting the movement of the citizens.
Speaking to some of those affected by the policy, they suggested that the police should come up with an alternative after the regulations were made.
“We cannot have old folks, women, children and men all struggling and walking long distances as if they don’t have finances to take them to their various destinations; this is very sad. The police need to address this issue before it gets out of hand,” they said angrily.
They added that when a regulation is made, there should be alternatives that will impact the lives of the citizens and not harm them or cease their movement.
“Some of us are disabled and are not supposed to be walking these long distances, but when you realize that there is no means of commercial vehicles to take you to your destination, you will be forced to get in the ‘walking challenge’,” they said.
However, they are appealing to the government through the police to quickly intervene in this situation and work along with the motorcyclist union in order to curtail these circumstances.
It can be recalled that an agreement reached between the police and NAFOMTAL, prohibits motorcyclists and keh-keh riders from operating in certain designated areas, known as ‘No Go Zones’, during day and night hours.
Under the revised measures, motorcyclists are allowed to operate on the principal streets of Monrovia under certain restrictions, ranging from mandatory restriction to insurance coverage, and the operation of motorcycles with only one passenger wearing a helmet.
Also, for the safety measures, they are to use reflective jackets and protective shoes at all times, while keh-kehs, before using similar routes, must be registered, insured, and are only allowed to carry three passengers and a valid driver’s license.
These restrictions are to be respected by both private and commercial motorcyclists, including journalists, as the agreement was coordinated with Vice president Jeremiah Koung, during a meeting with the motorcyclists and keh-keh riders’ leaders and the LNP.
