Former Nairobi County Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko was on Sunday, March 16, elected as the national Patron of the Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union of Kenya.
Taking to social media to express his elation over the win, Sonko intimated that he was ready to take on the role head-on, making several promises to rejuvenate the industry.
The union, which brings together bodaboda and TukTuk operators, boasts a membership of over 2.5 million individuals
"Yesterday, I had the distinct honour of being unanimously elected as the Patron of the Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union of Kenya nationally," he stated.
"This union brings together all the other Sacco and associations countrywide under one umbrella, and it boasts a membership exceeding 2.5 million individuals."
In his new role, Sonko will be expected to engage with the national government and all its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) on behalf of the members.
He will also in the same capacity engage with insurance agencies, and financial institutions to strategise on issues including; the issuance of loans to boda boda operators to address spare part shortages and other pressing challenges in the industry.
Sonko further noted that he would meet with Senator Boni Khalwale to discuss the challenges faced by boda boda and tuk-tuk operators in the proposed Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill 2023.
Among the promises Sonko made following his new role was to advocate for the rights of these operators, promising to weed out all cartel operations that had infiltrated the sector.
He further promised a more streamlined transport industry by dedicating his service to restoring order and sanity within the sector.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the union for the confidence they have placed in me and my ability to lead, and I commit to advocating for their rights," Sonko declared.
"To the cartels and criminals who have infiltrated the boda boda industry and engaged in criminal activities, be aware that we shall come for you. We won't allow a few criminals to tarnish the name of this good industry I shall be dedicated to restoring order and sanity within this sector."
Lastly, he assured Kenyans of a strong, disciplined, and professional approach to service delivery in this sector of the transport industry.
This is the first electoral roll the vocal politician has received since his impeachment in 2020 over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. A vote of 88 out of 122 Members of the County Assembly (MCA) solidified his impeachment.
Since then, he has redirected his influence to humanitarian actions, often sponsoring ordinary Kenyans caught in impossible situations.
Most recently, the former governor adopted a three-year-old boy whose father was murdered in front of him on his way to school.
