Union of 2.3 Million Kenyans Clarifies Sonko’s Election as Patron

The Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union of Kenya has clarified reports suggesting that the appointment of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko as the national patron of boda boda and tuk tuk operators was rejected.

This comes after reports emerged that Nairobi County boda boda operators had opposed Sonko’s appointment.

Speaking on behalf of Nairobi boda boda riders, Denis Ochieng stated that the city’s operators recognize and endorse Governor Johnson Sakaja as their patron.

However, the Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union of Kenya, which represents over 2.3 million members, has defended Sonko’s appointment.

The union also condemned what it termed “falsehoods and propaganda” aimed at discrediting the appointment of the former Governor.

Also Read: Senator Behind Bill Targeting Bodaboda Riders Makes U-Turn After Uproar

Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Union clarifies Sonko’s election as patron

In a statement, the union affirmed that the decision to appoint Sonko as patron was made after extensive consultations with legitimate leaders from all 47 counties and 8 regions of Kenya.

It argued that the informal transport sector “has for long been represented from a divided front, giving an opportunity to incompetent factions speaking for us while we never fully realize the gains from our transport economic activities.”

“We chose him because of his proven track record in championing the rights and welfare of boda boda and tuk tuk operators,” part of the statement read.

“We categorically reject the misleading narratives being spread by certain groups attempting to discredit our patron. These claims are baseless and malicious.”

The statement comes after Nairobi County boda boda operators through spokesperson Dennis Ochieng on Wednesday said that they were not part of the group that endorsed Sonko as their patron.

He claimed that selecting the former governor for the position was a “mere mockery” of the bodaboda fraternity.

Further, the operators questioned Sonko’s ability to effectively steer the docket, stressing that he had been unable to attend to the needs of bodaboda riders in the city during his tenure as the governor.

“We are here today to state categorically that we are not part of the imposters seen on 16 March 2025 on social media, alleging that they have endorsed the former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko as the boda boda patron on behalf of the boda boda fraternity,” he said.

Sonko sends warning

The confusion surrounding the appointment comes days after the former governor warned cartels and criminals moments after the Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union made the announcement.

Also Read: Mike Sonko Sends Warning After Being Elected to New Position

In a statement on March 17, Sonko said that his election unanimously supported by the members, further warning that he would not allow cartels and criminals to infiltrate the sector.

He said his administration would restore order in the boda boda sector and flash out cartels.

“To the cartels and criminals who have infiltrated the boda boda industry and engaged in criminal activities, be aware that we shall come for you,” he said.

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