Bodaboda operators in Kisumu have called on the police to release detained bikes following the suspension of the operations targeting the riders.
Through Kisumu County Bodaboda Riders Association, the operators say they are ready to engage the government with the aim of sorting out the issues raised about the sector.
Association Chair Willis Aketch has said that at least 600 bikes were impounded in Kisumu during the operations which followed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive.
“The move to suspend the operations is a big relief to us, and we assure the government that if given time, we will put our house in order,” said Aketch.
Boda is a livelihood to many
He however says that the 60-day notice for compliance by the riders is too short, and may see a number of them lose their livelihoods.
“It is a fact that a number of riders do not have riding licenses. And this will require some time for them to comply,” he said.
He added that his office has since begun reaching out to well-wishers to help fund the training of the riders, as well as help with purchase of insurance.
He reiterated that the act of harassment of a female motorist which led to the outcry on the conduct of the riders was an isolated case, which needs to be dealt with.
“Many riders are good people who take the work as a source of livelihoods, and if police can work with us, we can help with the weeding out of the bad elements among us,” he said.