President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration finds itself in the crosshairs of a unique legal twist, as boda boda operators unleash a storm against alleged government neglect.
The two-wheeled crusaders, usually zipping through traffic, have taken an unexpected detour to the courthouse, claiming that promises of empowerment during the 2022 General Election have been nothing but an elaborate joyride.
In a tongue-in-cheek jab at the administration, the boda boda riders assert that the government has been spinning a yarn, suggesting that the political bigwigs are secret aficionados of boda boda and Mama Mboga life.
The court documents even go as far as stating, "THAT as a result of the impugned utterances by the Members of the 1st Respondent political science party, the people engaged in boda boss business to earn a living suffer massive financial losses, in the future irreparable harm to their goodwill and business signatures.”
Leading this uproarious legal parade is a group of Malindi's most daring boda boda operators, spearheaded by the Linda Jamii group.
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Their petition argues that the Kenya Kwanza slogan has not only failed to boost their fortunes but has also triggered a wave of Kenyan dissatisfaction, as citizens grumble about the government's apparent inability to bring down living costs.
"Additionally, the utterances of the Members of the 1st Respondent political party that the current executive arm of the government of Kenyaiscomprised of the boda boda and Mama mboga wo/men subject the persons engaged in boda boda and Mama Mbogabusiness to psychological trauma owing to the reduction in their source of income and hostility of the people of Kenya," the petition suggests.
With a touch of irony, the boda boda operators are now demanding a gag order on government references to Mama Mboga and Bodaboda, claiming it's an infringement on their fundamental rights and freedoms.
In a staggering revelation, the petitioners showcase a purported 32 per cent depreciation in their earnings, a financial rollercoaster that translates to about Sh426 billion.
The boda boda community, often known for weaving through traffic, now finds itself navigating the judicial circuit with an unexpected finesse, leaving the government's promises of empowerment in the dust.
As the court readies itself for this legal showdown, the boda boda operators now have to cross their fingers and manage their expectations.
Whether this legal backflip on Kenya Kwanza administration will pave the way for a boda boda rebirth or become a whimsical footnote in Kenya's legal history remains to be seen.
