The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAKE) Trans Nzoia Branch has condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt to discredit Saturday’s boda boda empowerment programme, alleging that hired goons sponsored by political opponents of Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang infiltrated the event to cause chaos.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kitale, BAKE officials claimed the disruption was a calculated effort to undermine an initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of boda boda operators across the county. They urged security agencies to investigate those behind the violence and bring them to justice.
BAKE Trans Nzoia Branch Chairman Vincent Murunga said the empowerment programme achieved its intended objective despite the isolated incidents, thanking Senator Allan Chesang for organizing the initiative and President William Ruto for supporting the boda boda sector.
“The empowerment programme achieved its objective of supporting boda boda operators. We condemn those who attempted to tarnish the exercise through violence. We thank Senator Allan Chesang for championing this initiative and President William Ruto for supporting youth empowerment,” Murunga said.
Kitale Central Business District Secretary Samuel Moturi accused unnamed politicians of recruiting young people to disrupt the event instead of investing in their economic future.
“We reject the practice of giving young people money to cause destruction. Leaders should empower them with tools, vocational training and opportunities to earn a decent living instead of using them for political violence,” Moturi said.
Moturi added that the association would not allow boda boda operators to be used to advance political interests through violence.
Township official Isaac Nyongesa said the boda boda fraternity remained united and independent, adding that members would continue supporting programmes that improve their economic well-being.
“Our priority is empowerment. We are united as a sector and will continue working with leaders who support the welfare of boda boda operators,” Nyongesa said.
BAKE Kiminini Sub-county Treasurer Omutelwa said the empowerment initiative had renewed hope among riders by providing opportunities to expand their businesses and reduce youth unemployment.
“The empowerment programme has given many boda boda operators hope of expanding their businesses while creating opportunities for young people to earn a living,” Omutelwa said.
Saboti Sub-county Secretary Godfrey Kalama warned against attempts to intimidate or divide the boda boda fraternity, saying the association remained committed to supporting development-focused programmes.
“We stand firmly behind initiatives that uplift the youth economically. Violence and intimidation have no place in our sector,” Kalama said.
The officials appealed to security agencies to investigate those behind the disruption and urged political leaders to embrace peaceful competition ahead of the 2027 General Election instead of sponsoring violence.
Saturday’s empowerment programme attracted hundreds of boda boda operators from across Trans Nzoia County, who received working tools and pledged to use the support to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
