Kenyan truck drivers appeal to African Union as violence and harassment surge in DR Congo missions

The Long Distance Drivers Association of Kenya appeals to the AU for safety in DR Congo after the murder of a driver and viral threats from armed officers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 8:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

A Desperate Plea for Regional Intervention

Kenyan long distance drivers have reached a breaking point, formally demanding that the African Union and the IGAD Secretariat step in to guarantee their safety within the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya raised the alarm on Wednesday, citing a catastrophic breakdown in security that has left transporters vulnerable to beatings and systemic harassment. According to the association, previous attempts to engage the East African Community and national governments have yielded no tangible protections, forcing them to seek higher diplomatic mediation to prevent further loss of life.

Viral Hostility and Law Enforcement Misconduct

Public outrage in Kenya intensified this week following the release of a horrifying video depicting a drunk Congolese police officer aggressively confronting a stalled Kenyan truck driver. In the footage, the officer is seen waving a firearm and shouting that the drivers would not be allowed to pass without his express permission, emphasizing that they were in Congo and not Rwanda or Kenya. Witnesses at the scene characterized the officer's behavior as a dangerous combination of stupidity and intoxication, highlighting a lack of professional discipline that has become a recurring theme for Kenyans navigating Congolese transit routes.

The Tragic Murder of Edwin Njunguna

The security crisis was punctuated by the recent death of Edwin Njunguna, a Kenyan driver who was ambushed and killed in the Bunia area of the DRC. Reports indicate that Njunguna’s truck had broken down, initially attracting military protection against an armed gang. However, the situation turned fatal after military officers reportedly abandoned the driver, leaving him exposed to the criminal group that eventually killed him and dumped his body in the bush. His family is currently struggling with the logistics of repatriating his remains, which have begun to decompose due to delays in the volatile region.