After Escorting DP Ruto, the Boda Boda Riders Stage Protests About Unpaid Dues

West Pokot, Boda Boda riders. /Photo: Courtesy

Hundreds of Boda Boda motorcyclists protested peacefully in West Pokot State on Wednesday over claimed unpaid dues for escorting Deputy President William Ruto during his visit to the county.

On Friday, February 21, 2022, Ruto paid a visit to the county as part of his bottom-up initiatives.

On Friday, February 21, 2022, Ruto paid a visit to the county as part of his bottom-up initiatives.

The riders who expressed their dissatisfaction blamed the United Democratic Alliance [UDA] party officials and hopefuls for treating them unfairly.

Honda motorcycle in Kaspasur Center Nandi County. /Photo: Yola Boy

They staged a protest in Chepareria town, wielding twigs and banners, and vowed to take the case to court to seek legal redress. 
They are now pleading with the DP to intervene in the situation or face losing the County's votes.

The riders, led by West Pokot Bodaboda riders Chairperson Moses Loitasiwa, allege that they are aware that DP Ruto distributed the funds, but that they have yet to be paid.

According to Loitasiwa, a total of Ksh4 million was distributed to the four constituencies, one million to each, however people in Pokot South did not get any money.

"We greeted the DP at each of his four constituency meetings. We Chepareria bodaboda riders don't want to be used by politicians. Loitasiwa remarked, 
"We want the DP to tell those aspirants to pay us our money."

Dennis Ripis, Deputy Chairperson of Chepareria Bodaboda, indicated that they had high expectations that DP Ruto failed to satisfy.

However, Rajab Chombus, a UDA youth leader in the county, dismissed the charges, claiming that the organization is being utilized by Pokot South MP David Pkosing, who is a member of the Azimio la Umoja political party.

"No one assigned them the task of escorting the DP since he flew and did not utilize an accompanied vehicle."

Nobody ate their cash. He alleged that they were "playing politics."

Jose and Bonny Madawa are the best Bodaboda riders at Pavan Boda Boda stage in Kapsabet Town, Nandi County. /Photo: Viral Kenyan Magazine