The Boda Boda Association has refuted claims that youths who went to State House for President William Ruto’s recent youth empowerment forum in Nairobi did not receive motorcycles.
In a statement on Monday, August 8, the Boda Boda Association President, Kelvin Mmbadi, strongly castigated the claims circulating on social media and branded them as misleading and politically driven.
Before going to the State House, according to Mmbadi, the boda boda riders' groups had deliberated and agreed on individuals who would be given the motorcycles, and once they went to the State House, those whose names were submitted were given the motorcycles.
"On that day, fewer than two hundred motorcycles were there, and those who went to the statehouse were over 6000, and there is no way everyone was to be given a motorcycle," Mmbadi said.
"Before they went there, the riders had agreed on who would be given the motorcycles. I want to assure you that boda boda riders who went to the statehouse were given the motorcycles because their names had already been submitted," he added.
The event, which was held on Wednesday, August 13, came under scrutiny after some individuals claimed that they did not receive the motorcycles that were pictured at the event.
Taking to social media, the individuals alleged that some motorcycles distributed during the event were never delivered to the beneficiaries.
Responding also to the allegations, the Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, denied them, stressing that the motorcycles were issued to groups and not individuals.
According to Itumbi, President William Ruto will prepare similar forums to ensure that no youths benefit from such machines.
‘’Only the group chairmen were allowed to collect the items. That was the official process. Deceit and lies – Nairobi Empowerment season two, will follow,’’ Itumbi said.
After the event, hundreds of youths were seen leaving the State House, hailing the president and thanking him for supporting their hustle.
‘’Another batch of Boda Boda Empowerment Programme units courtesy of President William Ruto leaves State House, Nairobi,’’ State House Director of Public Communication Gerald Bitok said in a statement.
