The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya has declared its stance on the planned June 25, 2025, demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday next week in remembrance of the momentous Gen Z protests last year.
In a statement on Friday, June 20, the association announced that its members will not participate in any disruptions during the planned June 25 protests, citing its focus on “hustle” and concern over potential chaos.
Further, the association emphasised its role as a vital part of Nairobi’s daily life.
“As the men and women who keep Nairobi moving through traffic, rain, and hardship, we, the boda boda riders of Nairobi, wish to speak with one voice,” reads part of the statement.
“We have seen the threats of chaos. We’ve heard the calls for protests and riots on June 25. 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 Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya said it feared that unrest would affect their ability to earn a living.
Also Read: Plan for June 25 Protests Revealed
Boda Boda riders distance themselves from Chaos
While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, the group called for peaceful and orderly action.
“Every day, thousands of us leave our homes before sunrise to feed our children, pay our loans, and move this city. One day of riots is one day of hunger in our homes. When roads are blocked, we don’t earn. When shops close, our customers disappear,” the statement adds.
According to the association, when police clash with rioters, their bikes get burned, and riders are caught in the crossfire.
The riders further urged the government to protect their interests and warned those planning to disrupt the city that they did not speak for the boda boda community.
Also Read: Police Who Shot Hawker Boniface Kariuki During Protests Arrested
“We urge the Government: protect our roads, protect our bikes, protect our lives. We are not looking for favors — we’re asking for fairness. 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,” the association added.
Declaring their role in Kenya’s daily life, the association extended a plea for stability arguing that riders “will not be reduced to pawns in someone else’s war”.
Police assure security ahead of June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests
The statement comes after the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, George Seda, said that security organs are ready for the planned June 25 demonstrations.
Seda, while speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday evening, confirmed that police had received official communication from the organisers and reassured the public that the security organs were fully prepared to ensure the safety of all.
“We have the plan, and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe, for that matter,” said Seda.
“As for June 25th, we have enhanced plans. We equally have a copy of the letter which was delivered to Central (Police Station).”
The Commander further urged demonstrators to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid provoking law enforcement, which he said has resulted in violence as seen in the recent demonstrations.
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