Leaders in Garissa County have urged boda boda riders to register as voters and use their numerical strength to influence leadership decisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The leaders said the boda boda sector, which employs thousands of young people in the county, has for years been used by politicians to mobilise crowds during election campaigns but has received little attention after elections.
They made the remarks during a meeting attended by Garissa gubernatorial aspirant Mohamed Shidiye, where the riders endorsed his bid and pledged to support his 2027 campaign.
The leaders encouraged eligible boda boda riders who have not registered as voters to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise, obtain their voter cards and participate actively in the electoral process.
Former Lagdera MP and former Kenyan Ambassador to Botswana Mohamed Shidiye, who has served as the national patron of the boda boda sector since 2017, said the industry should no longer be viewed merely as a political mobilisation tool.
Shidiye said the sector has become a major source of employment and income for millions of Kenyans and supports thousands of households across the country.
“The boda boda sector is one giant sector that has employed millions of Kenyans and continues to do so. It generates a lot of income for the country and continues to feed thousands of households,” Shidiye said.
He said the sector’s contribution was particularly significant in Garissa, where thousands of young people depend on boda boda operations for their livelihoods.
According to Shidiye, the Garissa County Government employs about 5,000 people, while the boda boda sector provides employment to approximately 9,000 people in the county.
“Such an industry is not one to underrate. Unfortunately, despite the important role that you continue to play in our country, some politicians have decided to misuse you,” he said.
Shidiye accused some politicians of only engaging boda boda riders during election periods to mobilise crowds, before becoming inaccessible once they secure office.
“They only remember you during the election period. After elections, they never pick your calls. I personally want to change this narrative, and you will be at the centre of my leadership,” he said.
Shidiye pledged that, if elected governor, he would establish a dedicated boda boda office within the Governor’s Office to provide a direct link between riders and the county administration.
However, he said political change would require the active participation of the riders themselves, urging them to register as voters and exercise their democratic rights.
“But the change starts with you. You have to make sure that you get your voter card and fully participate in the elections,” he said.
Leader Mohamed Abdi Farah said boda boda riders were an important part of society whose contribution to the county and national economy could not be ignored.
“We are meeting you because we truly believe that you are an important segment of society and that you play an important role in nation building,” Farah said.
He expressed confidence in Shidiye’s ability to deliver on his promises, describing him as a leader who keeps his word.
Farah, however, told the riders that supporting a candidate was not enough unless they also participated in the electoral process.
Modogashe MCA Mahat Abdikadir said the boda boda community had for years been treated as a convenient political mobilisation tool by politicians seeking votes.
Former Garissa County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Abey urged riders to view themselves not only as a source of political crowds but also as an influential voting bloc capable of shaping the county’s political future.
“Your voter card is your voice. Your vote is your power. Your numbers can determine the direction of your community and the future of your country,” Abey said.
He said politicians had long recognised the numerical strength of the boda boda sector and mobilised riders whenever they needed political support.
“It is now time for the riders themselves to understand and use the power that comes with their numbers,” he said.
Abey added that meaningful political change depended on citizens actively participating in the democratic process.
The 2027 Garissa gubernatorial race is already taking shape, with at least five aspirants having expressed interest in the seat. They include Shidiye, Garissa Senator Abdul Haji, former Principal Secretary Abdiqani Dubat, former Ijara MP Ibrahim Abaas and former Garissa Governor Ali Korane.
