The complaints from Murugi Munyi about delivery riders have set social media on fire after the Kenyan influencer and podcaster shared her frustration with food delivery workers. Murugi posted that riders should never need to call customers for directions because businesses should give clear addresses from the start. Her words quickly turned into a heated national debate, with many calling her out of touch while others quietly agreed with parts of her point.
In her original message, Murugi explained how annoying it feels when a rider phones repeatedly asking where the house sits or which gate to use. She suggested companies should fix their systems so riders get precise details upfront.
The post came across to some as a simple wish for smoother service. To others it sounded like someone who has never navigated Kenya’s messy streets trying to tell hard-working people how to do their jobs.
Critics jumped in fast. Delivery riders shared stories of showing up to estates with no house numbers, vague plot descriptions or gates that look identical from the road. One rider posted that he once delivered to the wrong county because the app gave bad coordinates and the customer never picked up the phone.
Others explained that calling saves time and fuel since wrong deliveries mean unpaid trips and frustrated managers. Many felt that Murugi overlooked the daily realities that riders face, rain or shine, while riding motorbikes with heavy bags.
The backlash grew louder when people reminded everyone about Kenya’s addressing problem. Most neighbourhoods still rely on landmarks, plot numbers or caretaker names rather than formal street addresses.
Apps like Glovo, Bolt Food and Uber Eats try to map everything, but gaps remain, especially in newer estates, informal settlements or rural outskirts. Riders say those quick calls prevent mix-ups that could cost them hours and money.
Supporters of Murugi pushed back, saying businesses should do better. They argued that restaurants and shops know their customers best and should include landmarks, clear directions or even photos in orders.
A few pointed out that riders sometimes call multiple times even when directions are solid, which wastes everyone’s time. The conversation split neatly, with one side defending riders and the other calling for tighter systems from the companies.
Murugi later clarified her stance. She said she never meant to attack riders personally and understands the job comes with challenges. She repeated that her main issue lies with the platforms and businesses that could make things easier for everyone involved. The follow-up post calmed some anger, but plenty of riders still felt the original words stung.
The argument brings up deeper issues in Kenya’s gig economy. Delivery work grew a lot during the pandemic and stayed robust as people kept ordering food and goods online.
Riders keep the system going, but a lot of them don’t make much money and have to deal with long hours, rude clients, or severe weather. People regularly complain about slow service or having to make multiple calls, but the applications rarely do anything to remedy the problems.
Shop owners joined the chat too. Several said they try to add detailed directions, but riders still call because the GPS drops them blocks away. Others admitted their staff sometimes skip that step to save time, which ends up creating more problems later.
Social media kept the discussion alive well into the night. Memes showed riders on bikes with confused faces, while others pictured influencers in air-conditioned rooms typing complaints. Hashtags mixed humour with serious calls for better pay, clearer addresses and more respect on all sides.
Murugi has built a big following through her podcast and lifestyle posts. Moments like this test how people view her when she touches everyday struggles. She stayed active in the replies, trying to explain herself without backing down completely.
For now, the conversation shows no signs of slowing. Riders keep sharing their side while customers explain their frustrations. In between the noise sits a simple truth: Kenya’s delivery world works hard but still needs smoother roads, both literal and digital.
The Murugi Munyi incident involving delivery riders reminds everyone how quickly a single post can turn into a mirror for larger issues. People want convenience without losing sight of the human effort behind every dropped-off meal. Whether this leads to better systems or just more online arguments, time will tell.
