Published: March 25, 2025
Monrovia – The National Keh-keh and Motorbike Riders Welfare and Advocacy Organization of Liberia (NAKEMOR) has sharply criticized a recent decision by the Supreme Court of Liberia, describing it as a betrayal of justice and a violation of their constitutional rights.
The condemnation follows a ruling by Supreme Court Justice in Chambers, Her Honor Ceaineh D. Clinton-Johnson, who rejected a petition challenging government-imposed restrictions on commercial tricycle (Keh-keh) and motorbike operations.
Speaking at a press conference held Monday at the New Georgia Junction outside Monrovia, NAKEMOR Chairman Ousman Sesay described the decision as “unjust” and claimed it amounts to a targeted effort to marginalize young Liberians who rely on commercial riding to survive.
“This ruling is not only unfair, it is a deliberate attempt to silence and suppress thousands of young people who depend on Keh-keh and motorbike riding to feed their families,” Sesay said. “The Supreme Court has denied us justice and has effectively sided with Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, the Minister of Justice, and the Chambers Justice against the poor.”
The petition, filed on NAKEMOR’s behalf by the Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) advocacy group, was led by its CEO, Mulbah K. Morlu, and legally represented by Counselor Sayma Syrenius Cephus. The challenge sought to halt what they described as “discriminatory and unlawful enforcement” by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and other agencies under the Ministry of Justice.
According to Sesay, if immediate steps are not taken to reverse the decision and lift the restrictions, riders across the country will be mobilized for a major protest.
“If the government does not overturn this unjust ban, we will initiate an indefinite nationwide protest,” Sesay warned. “We are prepared to shut down the entire country until our voices are heard.”
NAKEMOR maintains that the restrictions infringe on their right to free movement and economic participation. The group has expressed full support for STAND’s planned protest actions and vowed not to relent until the government reverses course.
The Supreme Court, through Justice Clinton-Johnson, dismissed the petition on grounds that it lacked sufficient legal merit for a writ of prohibition. Despite the setback, NAKEMOR insists the fight is far from over.
“We refuse to be silenced,” Sesay declared. “We are not just riders—we are citizens of this country, and we deserve equal protection under the law.”
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