Boda Boda Riders Distance Themselves From June 25 Protests, Call for Calm in Nairobi

The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has distanced itself from the upcoming protest on June 25, urging citizens who will take part to conduct a peaceful demonstration.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 20, the association stated that they are not tools for any political games.

The association further clarified that boda boda riders are not part of any destruction caused during the protest

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 statement reads.

The riders said that their motorbikes are often damaged and their members are frequently caught up in clashes when protests turn violent, calling on the government to protect them.

"We urge the Government: protect our roads, protect our bikes, protect our lives. We are not looking for favours, we're asking for fairness," the association said.

They, however, asked for a peaceful demonstration, stating that any disruption caused by the protests would affect their earnings.

They added that they support the right to protest, but only if it is peaceful and lawful, with no stones, no fire, no looting. 

"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," part of the statement reads.

Additionally, the association issued a warning to anyone planning to disrupt any boda boda operations during the demonstration.

"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."

Boda boda riders have built a name in this country. We help emergency cases, support families, and move the economy. We will not be reduced to pawns in someone else's war," the statement added.

The riders' notice came after two motorcycles were burnt and a rider was badly beaten by angry protesters, who accused them of disrupting the protest on June 17.