- Boda Boda Safety Association says it won’t support violent demos
- Riders vow to protect their hustle and reject political misuse
- Say chaos only brings hunger, losses, and damage to bikes
- Ask for government security and peaceful protests from organisers
- Police promise order during Occupy Parliament anniversary
As the countdown to the June 25 Occupy Parliament protests begins, the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BBAK) has broken its silence, distancing itself from any acts of violence expected during the demos. In a statement from its Nairobi branch, the group was clear—they are not part of any planned chaos.
“We are not tools of destruction. We are riders. We hustle to survive. We respect peace and the Constitution,” read the bold message from the association.
Referring to the violent scenes witnessed in previous protests, especially those triggered by the death of Albert Ojwang in custody, the riders said motorcycles may have been used, but those behind the chaos were not genuine boda boda riders. They warned the public against labelling them based on the actions of a few opportunists.
The association reminded Kenyans what happens when protests turn ugly. For them, it’s more than just tear gas and barricades—it’s lost income and damaged livelihoods.
“One day of riots means one day with no food at home. Our bikes get torched, roads shut down, and our customers vanish,” they said.
A Call for Security and Calm
The riders urged the government to protect small businesses and the public, especially those who have no role in the protests but are often caught in the chaos. They also called on protest organisers to lead peaceful demonstrations and avoid situations that spiral into looting and destruction.
Nairobi Police boss George Seda assured the city’s residents that security will be tight and protests must remain peaceful under the law.
The Boda Boda Safety Association finished their statement with a warning to anyone planning violence:
“No stones, no fires, no looting. The moment violence begins, the Constitution walks away. And we walk with it.”
The message is simple—respect the law, protect livelihoods, and keep the peace.
