Bodaboda Riders Urged to Reject Political Violence as Election Nears
Bajaj after-sales engineer Geoffrey Kemboi said the activity was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme, which focuses on the “Pocket, Heart and Mind” of the rider.
By Monica Nashon
Bodaboda riders in Kisii County have been urged to protect their lives, businesses and property by refusing to be used by politicians to cause violence during the coming elections.
The National Executive of the Bodaboda Safety Association of Kenya, Kevin Mubadi, said riders should not allow politicians to use small amounts of money to influence them into destroying property or harming other Kenyans.
Mubadi spoke in Kisii during an engagement with bodaboda riders on financial literacy, road safety and security.
“Let us keep peace. The vote is secret. We should not be used to destroy other people’s property or lives,” Mubadi said.
He said bodaboda riders are often involved in political campaigns, convoys and violence during election periods, urging them to remain peaceful and make independent choices at the ballot.
The association is also touring different parts of the country to train riders on how to manage their finances. Mubadi said many young people take motorcycles or tuk-tuks through loans but struggle to benefit from the businesses because they lack proper financial planning.
He said the riders are being taught how to take and repay loans, save money and invest their earnings.
The riders were also warned against practices that increase road accidents, including carrying excess passengers and speeding, especially during funerals and other crowded events.
Mogo Head of Public Relations Becky Ngigi said the company had joined the engagement to educate its riders on financial literacy and address concerns surrounding motorcycle repossession.
Ngigi dismissed claims that Mogo takes away motorcycles when customers are almost finishing their loans.
“Repossession only happens when a customer fails to make loan payments on time and does not communicate with the company” she said.
She added that the company has invested heavily in its motorcycle financing business and would not simply take away a customer’s motorcycle without a reason.
Meanwhile, Kisii County Bodaboda Riders and Owners Association representative Jared Oirere welcomed the engagement, saying the riders had benefited from motorcycle servicing provided during the event.
Oirere said the riders had also agreed to strengthen enforcement against carrying excess passengers.
“Leaders from different bodaboda stages, wards and sub-counties have agreed to begin an operation next Monday to deal with riders who carry more passengers than allowed” said Oirere.
He also warned riders against carrying school-going children, particularly girls under 18, during the current school holiday period where such situations could expose children to abuse and other risks.
Bajaj after-sales engineer Geoffrey Kemboi said the activity was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme, which focuses on the “Pocket, Heart and Mind” of the rider.
He said riders were brought together for motorcycle servicing while also taking part in activities such as football.
Kemboi explained that the programme was designed to help riders maintain their motorcycles, noting that some struggle to raise money for regular servicing and maintenance.
The organisers said the initiative is aimed at improving the safety, financial well-being and livelihoods of bodaboda riders while encouraging them to become responsible members of their communities.
With elections approaching, the riders were reminded that their motorcycles are their source of income and should not be used as tools for political violence.
About Author
