KISUMU, Kenya — Boda boda leaders in Kisumu County have strongly rejected attempts to ethnicise the recent attack on Godfrey Osotsi, warning that such narratives risk inflaming divisions and undermining ongoing investigations.
Speaking during a press briefing, officials from the Kisumu County Boda Boda Association condemned the incident and urged restraint, insisting the matter should not be used to pit communities against each other or generalise blame.
“There is nothing like that. A few bad elements went there and attacked the Senator, but now people are trying to make it about ethnicity. We love the Senator, even though he has a different political ideology and preference from others. That is allowed and is provided for in the Constitution,” said Secretary General Dan Omondi.
The leaders emphasised that political differences must be handled within the bounds of the law and democratic principles, cautioning against attempts to exploit the incident for political or ethnic mobilisation.
Omondi called on security agencies to expedite investigations and ensure those responsible are held accountable, while maintaining fairness and independence in the process.
“We strongly condemn what happened to Senator Osotsi. We support the arrest of suspects already in custody and urge police to continue with investigations without interference,” he said.
The association also pushed back against claims linking the boda boda sector to the attack, terming such assertions as misleading and harmful to ongoing reforms within the industry.
County official Dan Ochola criticised sections of the media for what he described as generalised reporting, arguing that available evidence, including CCTV footage, points to specific individuals rather than an entire sector.
“We were disappointed by reports that associated the entire boda boda fraternity with the incident. That is unfair. The sector has undergone reforms, and we are working to eliminate criminal elements,” Ochola said.
He further warned against political rhetoric that could escalate tensions, particularly statements perceived to encourage confrontation or mobilise youth along divisive lines.
At the same time, association chairman Jacob Ogambo defended regional leaders who have been mentioned in public discourse, rejecting attempts to link them to the incident or broader political tensions.
“The incident should not be politicised. It should not be used to target leaders or communities,” he said.
The leaders urged boda boda operators across the county to formalise their registration at ward and county levels, noting that structured oversight would help identify and isolate rogue elements while strengthening accountability within the sector.
As investigations continue, Kisumu boda boda leaders have reiterated their commitment to peace and urged residents to allow due process to take its course without interference or politicisation.
