Parents warned to rethink trusting bodaboda drivers in childcare

Dar/Dodoma. The tragic death of six-year-old Graison Kanyenye in Dodoma, murdered while in the care of a bodaboda (motorbike taxi) driver, has prompted urgent warnings to families about the risks of placing excessive trust in transport service providers.

An investigation by The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi found that many urban families rely on bodaboda drivers for more than just transportation.

These drivers are entrusted with tasks such as ferrying children to and from school, running errands, and even managing money or shopping for household needs.

Sharing his experience, a resident of Tabata, Mathias Masai, says, “I live alone with my child. Despite my strained relationship with his mother, I trust a bodaboda driver to bring him to me. The mother knows him too, so there’s no concern. He’s become a close friend who knows much about my life.”

Similarly, another resident who preferred anonymity noted, “I trust my bodaboda driver so much that my family would assist him in case of any problem. He’s like family.”

The sentiment is echoed by Ms Eldiana Masanja from Mtoni Kijichi, “I’ve trusted our bodaboda driver to take my children to school and run errands. I’ve never had a reason to doubt him.”

Despite this widespread trust, a psychologist, Mr Jacob Kilima cautioned against over-reliance on bodaboda drivers.

“Many parents, preoccupied with work, delegate significant responsibilities to bodaboda drivers, unknowingly fostering a false sense of security,” explained Mr Kilima.

He warned that this misplaced trust could expose children to potential dangers, including exploitation.

Mr KIlima also highlighted that malicious individuals could manipulate bodaboda drivers to harm families.

Director of the Child Development Department in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Mr Sebastian Kitiku, emphasised the critical role of parents in ensuring their children's safety.

“Parents must prioritize their children’s security and thoroughly vet anyone they entrust with their care,” Mr Kitiku urged.

He referenced research indicating that 60 percent of child abuse cases occur within the home and often involve trusted individuals, including bodaboda drivers.

Remembering Graison

The Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima expressed condolences to Graison’s family and called for stronger child protection measures.

Amani Bale, a choir teacher who knew Graison from the Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) church, described him as “a calm and obedient child” with a promising future as a singer.

“On the last Saturday before his death, Graison eagerly participated in choir practice, even confidently taking the microphone,” Bale recalled tearfully, adding that the choir would struggle to perform without him.

The incident and investigation

On the night of December 24, 2024, Graison was left under the care of bodaboda driver Kelvin Gilbert at the home of a family friend.

Tragically, he was later found murdered, suffering severe head and neck injuries.

Dodoma Regional Police Commander George Katabazi reported that Gilbert fled the scene but has since been apprehended, along with another suspect.

Graison was laid to rest on December 26, 2024, at Kilimo Kwanza Cemetery.

Authorities continue to investigate the case, which is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in safeguarding children.