Nairobi Bodaboda Riders Reject Mike Sonko’s Appointment as Their Patron
Bodaboda operators in Nairobi County have strongly opposed the appointment of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko as the national patron of bodaboda and tuk-tuk operators.
Speaking on behalf of the Nairobi bodaboda fraternity, Denis Ochieng made it clear that they do not recognize Sonko in the role. Instead, they fully endorse the current Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, as their official patron.
Ochieng emphasized that the Nairobi bodaboda operators were not consulted and had no involvement in the group that publicly endorsed Sonko. He dismissed the claims made on social media on March 16, 2025, where a faction of riders was seen supporting Sonko’s appointment.
“We want to make it very clear that we do not associate with the individuals who appeared on social media claiming to have endorsed former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko as the patron of the bodaboda fraternity. Those people do not represent us,” Ochieng stated.
Questioning Sonko’s Ability to Lead
The bodaboda riders also criticized the decision to appoint Sonko, describing it as an outright insult to their sector.
According to Ochieng, the former governor had failed to address the challenges bodaboda operators faced when he was in office, raising doubts about his ability to represent them effectively now.
He further stressed that the Nairobi bodaboda fraternity remains fully behind Governor Sakaja, recognizing him as their true leader and patron.
“We want to inform Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large that our legitimate patron is Governor Johnson Sakaja, and we stand by him,” Ochieng declared.
Sonko’s Appointment and Response
Despite the strong opposition in Nairobi, Sonko was officially elected as the national patron of the Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union on Sunday, March 16.
The union represents bodaboda and tuk-tuk operators across Kenya, boasting a membership of over 2.5 million riders.
Following his appointment, Sonko took to his social media platforms to express gratitude, stating that he was honored to assume the role.
“Yesterday, I had the great honor of being unanimously elected as the Patron of the Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union of Kenya at the national level,” Sonko wrote.
Responsibilities as the Patron
In his new role, Sonko will be expected to engage with the national government and its ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on behalf of bodaboda and tuk-tuk riders. His responsibility will be to champion their interests and push for policies that support their welfare.
However, with Nairobi’s bodaboda riders rejecting his leadership, it remains to be seen how Sonko will navigate the divided support within the sector.
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