The Public warned against participating in demonstrations

Molo

Sunday, July 16, 2023   

K.N.A  By Emily Kadzo

Members of the public out to participate in the planned demonstration by the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya alliance next week have been warned against vandalizing public infrastructure as they will incur expenses to repair the damages caused.

This was reiterated by the transport and infrastructure Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen who said that he will be moving to court Monday to seek orders for those going against this directive to be surcharged as they will not tolerate any further destruction.

“There was destruction along the Expressway and at Railways in Nairobi worth millions of shillings in last week’s demonstrations and this is derailing the development effort made and we will not allow this anymore,’’ lamented the CS.

He said Azimio leaders are misleading the public on the issues they want addressed as they ought to play out honest politics and not push for their agendas through unscrupulous means. 

“The opposition should revert back to the bi-partisan talks established earlier with the government and not hold us into ransom and bi-weekly protests that are weighing heavily on Kenyans economically,’’ added Murkomen.

He urged the judiciary not to legitimize anarchy in the name of freedom of expression saying that he will step in to ensure that the infrastructure constructed using taxpayers' money is well protected for public benefit.

Murkomen was addressing over 2,000 bodaboda riders at Molo stadium during an open day organized by the area legislator, Kuria Kimani, and other stakeholders including Oye, NHIF, NTSA, Ecobodaa, St. Johns ambulance, Mogo, 4G capital among others.

On his part, he urged the riders not to be swayed into taking part in the protests but instead concentrate on eking a living to better their lives.

He urged them to strictly adhere to the road safety rules in a bid to help reduce rising deaths caused through road accidents.

“Kenya loses 5,000 people annually to road accidents whereby 1,000 are bodaboda riders, 800 passengers and 1,000 pedestrians therefore this sector needs up its game on the guidelines given,’’ noted the CS.

From the statistics given, it is evident that the sector contributes to a majority of deaths on the roads and thus a reflection of how many people in the youth bracket are losing their lives each year.

“We are losing a generation and there is a need to put in place measures that will curb such spikes in the deaths of the riders by ensuring that you are in full riding gear, carry the required amount of weight, frequent servicing of the bodabodas, avoid play games along the roads,’’ advised Murkomen.

He regretted that the reckless road behavior has forced a number of hospitals to set aside a specific ward for riders’ accident victims and crippling many families through the high medical costs of treating accident victims.

On the same note, the area MP shared similar sentiments with the CS urging them to have NHIF to cater for their medical bills when the unfortunate happens.

During the open day, the riders received services from banks, saccos, NHIF, NTSA, and St. Johns ambulance training and received a helmet and a reflector jacket as well.

The duo was accompanied by Elgeyo Marakwet women representative, Caroline Ngelechei.

Courtesy K.N.A