Boda Boda Riders Fight Over Ruto's Donation

President William Ruto on board a boda boda in 2021
President William Ruto on board a boda boda in 2021 after an empowerment meeting
Photo
UDA

Boda boda riders in Kitengela county are in disagreement over a cash donation by Deputy President William Ruto earlier in the month.

Representatives of the Kitengela Boda Boda association met the DP at his Karen residence where he gave them a Ksh750,000 donation to help them in their businesses.

A section of the more than than 7,512 registered Boda Boda operators claims to have been shortchanged by the leaders who represented them.

They claim that the part was shared out among a few riders, money which was to help them start an income-generating project.

Deputy President William Ruto addressing Kitengela Market traders and boba boda riders at his Karen residence on October 7, 2020.
Deputy President William Ruto addressing Kitengela Market traders and boba boda riders at his Karen residence on October 7, 2020.
DPPS

"There was no meeting and consultation about sharing the money and only a committee comprising five members made a decision on behalf of us and divided the money among a few individuals,” a rider, Eric Onyango explained.

There has been a leadership wrangle between boda boda operators in Kitengela with two different groups claiming legitimacy.

A delegation of Kitengela Market traders and boba boda riders had been invited for a quorum at DP Ruto's residence earlier in October.

DP Ruto maintained that the mindset of entrepreneurs would form the pillar for future generations.

"It is time we give a ladder to the man at the bottom so that we can all be climbing up together. 

"It is not a must that the majority must be at the bottom of the pyramid, we can change that pyramid so that we change the status of every Kenyan," he remarked.

Similarly, President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 23, presided over the signing of a major partnership between Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK), Capital Markets Authority, an oil marketer and an investment firm at  Pumwani, Majengo, Nairobi County.

The Head of State, delved deep into the intricacies of how boda boda operators could soon call the shots if they took heed to his advice.

"Boda boda industry is a sleeping giant that needs to be awakened which is why boda boda investment scheme is a great idea. Every individual should take pride in paying the price for what they want. If you do not pay the price, someone will pay to misuse you," the president stated.

President Uhuru Kenyatta in Kisii on Mashujaa Day October 20, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in Kisii on Mashujaa Day October 20, 2020.
PSCU