Senator Onyonka condemns raid at Natembeya's home
During the raid, angry residents damaged several vehicles.
3mon agoCHRISTABEL ADHIAMBONews
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has condemned the chaos involving boda boda operators
in Kisii town.
In a statement, the senator described the
violence as regrettable, saying it had disrupted businesses while putting the
safety of residents at risk.
“I strongly condemn the violence that disrupted
businesses and put the safety of our people at risk,” Onyonka said.
He urged boda boda operators, who he noted play
a key role in the local economy, to remain calm and pursue peaceful avenues to
air their grievances.
According to him, violence only undermines livelihoods and taints the image
of Kisii.
Onyonka called on the County Government and
security agencies to act swiftly in restoring calm and to engage the sector’s
leadership in dialogue.
The senator also pledged his support for
constructive discussions that will help deliver long-term solutions for both
livelihoods and security in the region.
“I am ready to support constructive discussions that will bring long-term
solutions for both livelihoods and security.”
The violence broke out after a faction of riders went around town in what
seemed like enforcing the use of blue reflector jackets.
According to one rider, they forced anyone they met to buy the reflectors at
Sh600, and any refusal would be met with violence.
“Last week, we wrote to the national and county government about our security
and informed them of a plot by a section of youths to attack boda boda riders.
“Today they came, and if they found you without a blue reflector, they beat
you and forced you to buy the reflectors at Sh600. We are calling on President
William Ruto and the Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene and bring this
to an end,” said one rider.
Several motorcycles were destroyed in the process before police intervened
to calm the situation.
Most businesses also remained closed as owners feared suffering losses as a
result of looting from the chaos.
The boda boda operators also called on local leaders to intervene.
