Mombasa, KENYA: Boda boda operators in Mombasa County have urged the traffic unit to show them respect as they also have the right to be on the roads, just like any other motorist.
Speaking to journalist at the Tononoka grounds over the weekend, the Secretary General Fredrick Siongo said the sector has offered employment opportunities to several youths in the country.
“There is no other sector in this country that has offered job opportunities to our youths more than this.” The official said.
The official decried harassment by the traffic police and complained of insecurity among boda boda operators especially those operating in Likoni area.
He however admitted that not every boda boda operator has a valid driving licence and as a spear-header he promised to sort out the issue for those concerned.
He urged the County Government to assist in ensuring that every operator gets a valid driving licence.
On the other hand, the chairman of the boda boda operators in Likoni sub county Ibrahim Abdalla confessed that he was once attacked by a certain group of people in the area and he sustained seroius injuries.
He pointed out that those involved in criminal are activities are people known in the area but no action has been taken against them by the relevant authorities.
‘’Let those attacking bodaboda operators in Mombasa to be on the lookout. We are serving mwananchi diligently and have families to look after. We are not ready for blackmail.’’ Abdalla said.
The official urged the local administrators to ensure that the security of the boda boda operators in the area is guaranteed.
This comes after claims from the public that this alternative mode of transport is used in committing criminal activities in the county a claim that the officials greatly refuted.
The officials said they are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.
On the other hand, the Chief inspector of police and Makupa Police Base Commander Benard Iteere on Monday denied allegations that boda boda operators are victimized as criminals.
He tole Baraka FM that out of a group of fifteen in a boda boda stage, at least two people are involved in criminal activities.
He urged road users to observe traffic rules to avoid being nabbed by the police for flouting the rules.
‘’I ask all road users to observe traffic rules at all times.’’ Said Iteere.