Boda Boda Operators Warn Protesters of Goons Targetting Bikes During Demonstrations

An Anglican clergy and protesters at the gates of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on June 25, 2024.
An Anglican clergy and protesters at the gates of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on June 25, 2024.
Photo
All Saints Cathedral Nairobi

The Boda Boda Safety Association have raised an alarm over a recent trend witnessed during the recent anti-government protests.

In a statement by the association's chairperson, Kevin Mubadi, it was noted that goons had infiltrated the protests and were targeting the property of some of their members.

The association cited the recent protests in Mlolongo which saw four motorbikes belonging to their members burnt down.

On the other hand, the association claimed that some of the goons were planning to steal some of the bikes and injure their members.

Bomet Bodaboda Association of Kenya members
Bomet Bodaboda Association of Kenya members
Photo
Bodaboda Association of Kenya

"Our attention is drawn to a recent incident in Mlolongo where goons posing as protesters resorted to burning down four (4) motorbikes belonging to our members," read the statement in part.

"We wish to bring to the attention of protesters and their parents across the country that Boda Boda is an enterprise and we shall not be forcefully drawn from our economic activities into joining protests and hooliganism.

Therefore, the boda boda operators warned that they would be forced to protect their property during their protest.

They acknowledged that they supported peaceful demonstrations, further warning the organisers of the demos to be weary of goons planning to cause chaos.

"We remain committed to the rule of law and order but will be forced to protect our economic activities and assets where needed across the country.

"This should therefore sound like a warning to the protesters whose aim is to either steal or destroy our motorbikes and injure our members, we shall face you head-on. We commit to remain actively engaged in shaping the future of our nation," the association noted.

Notably, the statement of the association comes after the National Police Service (NPS) banned protests within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

According to acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the decision was informed by the recent destruction of property that was caused by goons who infiltrated the protests.

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja
KNA
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