Boda boda riders clash with operators claiming to be Ruto supporters

By Peter Ochieng

A moment of tension ensued within the Nairobi Central Business (CBD) on Tuesday, after some boda boda riders clashed with a group of boda boda operators, claiming to be President William Ruto’s supporters.

Confrontation between the two groups occurred after a boda boda rider accused their opposite number of disrupting their business. “They are not protesters and they are not boda boda riders, they are disrupting our business,” the rider told journalists.

With tempers flaring, the mob claiming to be pro-Ruto set a motorcycle ablaze and left some riders injured. Police swiftly intervened and dispersed the crowd. The group, proclaiming to be President William Ruto’s supporters, vowed to stop anti-government protests.

"We also have a right to work. stop demos," a placard carried by one of them read. They called on protesting youth to give Ruto time to act on their grievances, which they say have been raised for over five weeks now.

"President apewe time afanye kazi. Amewasikiza ya kutosha wacheni afanye kazi na awajibike,” one of them said.

It translates to: “The President should be given time to work. He has heard you so give him time to work and to be accountable."

"We want peace. Peace, Peace, Peace," they shouted in unison.

Tuesday's protests were expected to mainly occupy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). However, Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja warned the protesting youth against going to JKIA without authorization, adding that it is a protected area.

“Going to JKIA if you have not been given permission is not allowed, that is a protected area. I would like to remind Kenyans that we only have one country and we should take care of it,” said Kanja. “For the avoidance of doubt, JKIA is listed as a protected area,” he added.

Protesters are calling for ‘occupation’ of key installations including JKIA, on the backdrop of reports that Ruto’s administration has handed the airport’s management to unnamed foreign investors, for 30 years.

However, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi denied the allegations.