The recent episode of Political Ringside, one of Kenya’s leading political discussion shows, featured a candid interview with Ken Onyango, the chairperson of the Boda Boda Association of Kenya.
The discussion centered on how boda boda riders in Nairobi view the performance of Governor Johnson Sakaja Johnson. Onyango spoke directly about the challenges faced by the many operators who rely on motorcycle taxis for their livelihood across the city.
Ken Onyango gave Governor Sakaja a low score of 2 out of 10. He explained that this rating comes from the day-to-day experiences of riders working across Nairobi.
According to him, basic services and support that the county government should provide are not working well. Onyango said many riders feel that systems meant to support small businesses and daily operations in the city are not functioning properly.
He explained that boda boda riders spend most of their day moving across different parts of the city and often experience the condition of roads, traffic flow, and public services first-hand.
Because of this, their views about the county government are shaped by what they encounter on the streets while working.
Onyango said that many riders feel the current leadership has not responded effectively to these everyday challenges.
Onyango also stated that Governor Sakaja appears to be sleeping on the job, suggesting that he is not actively handling the responsibilities expected of him as the leader of the county.
According to Onyango, riders feel that important issues affecting ordinary residents are not receiving the attention they deserve. He argued that this has led to frustration among operators who depend on a well-managed city to carry out their work smoothly.
A key point raised in the discussion was that other individuals, including those seen as possible competitors for the governor’s position, are becoming more visible in communities.
Onyango suggested that some of these figures are stepping in to help address issues that affect residents, including boda boda riders. This has created the impression among some operators that others are doing work that should normally be handled by the county leadership.
The conversation also touched on the upcoming 2027 elections for the Nairobi governor seat. Onyango made it clear that many boda boda riders are looking for change in the city’s leadership.
He pointed out that the boda boda sector is large, with more than 176,000 registered operators, making it a significant voting bloc in Nairobi.
During the interview, Onyango praised businesswoman Agnes Kagure for her efforts to support the sector. He said Kagure has channeled resources to assist boda boda SACCOs, which help riders manage savings, access loans, and support their businesses.
According to Onyango, such initiatives are important for riders who face rising costs and limited financial opportunities.
He added that the boda boda community values leaders who engage directly with people at the grassroots level. Onyango said riders are paying attention to leaders who understand their struggles and are willing to support them in practical ways.
Onyango emphasized that the boda boda community plans to rally behind a new leader who understands their daily challenges. He described Kagure as someone who connects with the grassroots, using the phrase “Tunaka Mama” to show support for her as a potential candidate.
This expression reflects the growing support some riders are showing toward her possible bid for the Nairobi governor seat.
The discussion on Political Ringside reflects frustrations that many residents have raised about Nairobi. Issues such as water supply, road conditions, traffic management, and economic opportunities continue to affect daily life in the city.
Onyango’s remarks suggest that concerns within the boda boda sector mirror wider conversations happening among ordinary residents.His appearance on the show has also contributed to early conversations about the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race.
The low rating given to Governor Sakaja and the support expressed for figures like Agnes Kagure highlight the importance of leadership that focuses on practical solutions for hustlers and everyday workers in Nairobi.
