Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has issued a strong warning to boda boda operators against allowing themselves to be used to fuel tribal politics or political violence as Kenya gradually enters the 2027 General Election season.

Speaking during an empowerment forum with boda boda riders in Mombasa, the governor urged operators to reject divisive politics and remain ambassadors of peace, emphasizing that the transport sector has become one of the country's strongest symbols of unity and economic resilience.

Governor Nassir described the boda boda industry as one that has been built through determination, sacrifice, and hard work, noting that thousands of families depend on it for their livelihoods.

"The boda boda sector is born out of sweat and hard work," he said. "No one should take that away from you."

Calls for National Unity

The governor praised the diversity within the boda boda industry, saying riders from different ethnic backgrounds work side by side every day without discrimination.

He pointed out that the sector reflects Kenya's diversity, with operators drawn from communities across the country, including the Kamba, Taita, Luhya, and many others.

According to Nassir, the relationships built within the industry demonstrate that ordinary Kenyans can coexist peacefully regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.

He challenged riders to reject attempts by politicians to divide them along tribal lines, reminding them that they serve customers from every community without considering ethnicity.

"When you carry a passenger, you do not ask them what tribe they belong to or where they come from. Let us abandon tribal politics in this Kenya," he said.

Warning Against Political Goonism

As political activity begins to intensify ahead of the next elections, Governor Nassir cautioned boda boda riders against being recruited to participate in violence, intimidation, or any form of criminal activity during political campaigns.

He warned that while the sector has played a vital role in supporting Kenya's economy, its reputation could easily be damaged if operators allow themselves to be manipulated into acts of violence.

"Never allow yourselves to be used to bring crime into the county. This is my advice to all boda boda riders in the country. We need to shun violence," he said.

The governor stressed that peace and stability are essential for economic growth and urged riders to become champions of peaceful coexistence throughout the election period.

County to Review Minor Offences

Beyond his message on peace, Governor Nassir announced that his administration is reviewing how minor traffic and county offences involving boda boda operators are handled.

He said the county government intends to distinguish between serious criminal offences and minor violations that could instead be resolved through counselling and education.

The move, he explained, is aimed at promoting fairness while encouraging riders to comply with traffic regulations without unnecessarily criminalizing minor infractions.

Empowerment Programme for Riders

Governor Nassir also unveiled plans to strengthen the boda boda sector through a comprehensive empowerment programme designed to improve safety, financial inclusion, and business opportunities.

Among the initiatives announced is specialized training for riders, including first-aid skills to enable operators to respond effectively during emergencies and road accidents.

The county government will also introduce a revolving fund and partner with financial institutions to help riders acquire motorcycles through affordable financing arrangements, reducing reliance on expensive and exploitative lending schemes.

The programme is expected to be rolled out in phases, beginning with an initial group of approximately 1,300 boda boda riders, before expanding to reach more operators across Mombasa County.

Sector Seen as Key Economic Driver

The boda boda industry remains one of Kenya's largest informal employers, providing income for thousands of young people while offering affordable transport services to millions of commuters every day.

Governor Nassir said supporting the sector through training, access to finance, and responsible leadership would not only improve livelihoods but also contribute to safer roads and stronger community cohesion.