Kenya's motorcycle taxi drivers refuse to join protests planned for June 25. The Boda Boda Safety Association says its members will skip the demonstrations marking one year since deadly anti-government rallies. Opposition leaders want people to stay home from work and remember protesters who died last year. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka called for the boycott. They want June 25 to become a holiday honoring young demonstrators killed during the protests.
The motorcycle riders worry about violence during the planned events. Past protests damaged property and hurt people badly. The association leaders said they work hard every day to feed their families and pay back loans. When roads close during riots, the drivers cannot make money for food. Police fights with protesters often destroy their bikes and put riders at risk.
The group respects peaceful assembly rights but rejects any violent actions. They asked the government to keep them safe and protect their motorcycles during the protest day. The riders said they help Kenya's economy by moving people around the city and responding to emergencies. They want to keep working instead of joining political demonstrations. The association warned protest organizers not to speak for motorcycle taxi drivers or block their routes.
The motorcycle riders worry about violence during the planned events. Past protests damaged property and hurt people badly. The association leaders said they work hard every day to feed their families and pay back loans. When roads close during riots, the drivers cannot make money for food. Police fights with protesters often destroy their bikes and put riders at risk.
The group respects peaceful assembly rights but rejects any violent actions. They asked the government to keep them safe and protect their motorcycles during the protest day. The riders said they help Kenya's economy by moving people around the city and responding to emergencies. They want to keep working instead of joining political demonstrations. The association warned protest organizers not to speak for motorcycle taxi drivers or block their routes.
