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The Boda Boda Safety Association has distanced itself from the chaos witnessed during Tuesday’s protests over the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
In a statement, the association’s Nairobi branch declared its members will not participate in the planned June 25 demonstrations, even as it expressed concern over the violence that unfolded on that day, allegedly perpetrated by motorbike-riding goons.
“We have seen the threats of chaos. We’ve heard the calls for protests and riots on 25th June 2025. But we say this clearly. We are not part of that destruction. We are not tools for political games. We are hustlers- and we ride for peace, dignity, and survival,” the association said.
The members said they were aware of upcoming protests next week, cautioning that any form of unrest would negatively impact their businesses.
“One day of riots is one day of hunger in our homes. When roads are blocked, we don’t earn. When shops close, our customers disappear. When police clash with rioters, it’s our bikes that get burned and our people that get caught in the crossfire”, the members warned as they called for protection.
“We urge the Government: protect our roads, protect our bikes, protect our lives. We are not looking for favours – we’re asking for fairness. And to those planning to disrupt our routes and risk our safety, you don’t speak for us. You don’t care about our pain. Don’t hide your chaos behind our helmets”.
While acknowledging the right to picket, the association urged the organisers to maintain peace.
“We respect the Constitution. We believe in Article 37 – the right to assemble and protest. But only if it is peaceable and unarmed. No stone, no fire, no looting. Because once violence starts, the Constitution walks away. And so do we”.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda has assured Kenyans of adequate security during the upcoming June 25 demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 Occupy Parliament protests.
