As the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, concern has been raised over increasing cases of political intolerance and acts of hooliganism, with boda boda operators frequently being accused of facilitating such activities.
Against this backdrop, riders have been urged to remain politically neutral and resist attempts by politicians to exploit them to perpetrate violence during the electioneering period.
The operators were also challenged to safeguard the reputation of a sector that continues to provide livelihoods to more than two million riders across the country.
Speaking during a prayer day organized for boda boda operators at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a County, Ahadi Kenya Trust Chief Executive Officer Dr. Stanley Kamau cautioned riders against allowing themselves to be used to ferry criminals, incite violence or participate in acts of hooliganism before, during and after the elections.
“You as riders have a very important role to play in society and should be very pivotal where matters of security are concerned,” he said.
“This sector has provided livelihoods for millions of young people. Do not allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate acts of violence for a few coins,” he added.
Dr. Kamau observed that some politicians may attempt to recruit riders to transport criminals or participate in violent activities for political gain, urging them to reject such advances and instead help preserve peace and protect the image of the boda boda industry.
He further expressed concern over the rising number of road fatalities involving boda boda riders, attributing many of the accidents to riding under the influence of alcohol.
“In the last one month, in my village alone we have buried four young men who were involved in accidents while drunk riding. It is unfortunate because these are men in their most productive years,” he said.
“I urge you to avoid drinking and riding for your safety and that of other road users. If you must drink, take your motorcycle home and get a designated person to take you home after indulging,” he added.
Dr. Kamau also raised alarm over what he described as a growing trend in which individuals exchange household items and farm produce for alcohol, with boda boda sometimes being used to transport the goods.
“Be on the lookout for anyone taking farm produce or household goods to exchange for alcohol because this is detrimental to families and livelihoods,” he cautioned.
He called on security agencies, the local administration and bar owners to work together to curb the practice while intensifying public awareness campaigns on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse.
The boda boda operators, in turn, pledged not to allow themselves to be used to fuel political violence or transport criminals during the campaign period and the 2027 General Election.
They committed themselves to promoting peace, observing the law and protecting the integrity of the sector, saying they would cooperate with security agencies whenever necessary.
The riders also challenged the perception that boda boda operators are uneducated, noting that many are highly qualified young people who joined the sector because of limited employment opportunities.
“We want a system that works for everyone. Many people look down upon boda boda riders, but we are educated, with most of us holding university degrees. Employment is limited and we chose this path,” said boda boda rider Stephen Githeca.
He noted that the sector supports thousands of families across the country by providing a reliable source of income that enables riders to educate their children and meet their daily financial obligations.
“Some of us are parents with children in universities and colleges, and through this sector we are able to educate them,” he said.
Another rider, Oscar Muiruri, urged fellow operators to comply with road safety regulations by obtaining the required driving licences, observing traffic laws and wearing protective gear at all times.
He also appealed to members of the public to accord the boda boda sector the respect it deserves, saying it has become one of the country’s largest sources of employment for young people.
By Florence Kinyua and Bernard Munyao
