Boda Boda Operators in Mombasa Vow to Tackle Insecurity Head-on
One of the youths in Nyali receiving some reflectors. (Photo By Harrison Mbungu)
By Harrison Kivisu
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Boda boda riders operating in Nyali Subcounty have pledged to champion peace and security within the community as they continue with their daily duties.
The riders, who have previously been accused of abetting crimes using their motorcycle to rob unsuspecting passengers, are now taking the lead to guarantee security within their operation areas.
Nyali subcounty has had its own equal share of insecurity challenges, but solution based intervention by youth leadership through Elkana Jacob is bearing fruits.
This resolution was reached after an extensive meeting at Maasai Nyali that brought together operators to deliberate on matters of security, peace, and civic responsibility.
The grassroots leadership targeting to engage local residents is led by Rashid Mfano and Bahati Kazungu.
The riders were urged to remain vigilant, follow regulations, and exercise their democratic rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
“You know every corner of Nyali, every detail of the community. Always be ambassadors of peace and security,” Kazungu urges.
His sentiments were echoed by Rashid Mfano who asked them to report any suspicious characters to the security agencies.
“We need a peaceful Nyali where people can live, do business, and invest,” said Mfano.
Nyali Subcounty has about 4,000 boda boda operators with key stages at QuickMart, Links Road, Kongowea, Bombolulu and Zamzam.
Their chairman, Josephat Otieno, alias Captain, emphasized the importance of leaders showing genuine concern for the people.
“Safety and security is paramount. We have been having insecurity incidences here and there,but today. We ask local leadership to work with us and make security work,” said Otieno.
The riders welcomed Jacobs Elkana’s intervention to support them with safety gears as a reminder that their safety on the road is important.
The sentiments were also echoed by 22-year-old human rights defender Ali Rajab who quoted scripture saying that a true leader is one who stands by his word.
Rajab praised Elkana for recently supporting a family whose one-month-old baby had been held for two months at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary over an unpaid hospital bill.
“I don’t know Elkana Jacob personally and have never met him. But hearing testimonies from the families he assisted moved me deeply. Those are the leaders we want,” he said.
Key Issues raised: harassment by law enforcement, poor infrastructure, limited access to loans and empowerment opportunities.
“Our team reaffirmed its commitment to support bodaboda operators through training, financial inclusion, and stronger community engagement,” Elkana said.
