Eastleigh

Unofficial stage showdown: Eastleigh Boda Boda riders clash with police

Boda Boda riders waiting for clients. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Anas Mohamed | Monday, October 30, 2023

Boda boda riders and police officers clashed today on General Waruinge Street in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The conflict erupted after Boda Boda riders were being moved from the area around Atis Suits, that they had turned into their unofficial stage.

Boda boda riders and police officers clashed today on General Waruinge Street in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The conflict erupted after Boda Boda riders were being moved from the area around Atis Suits, which they had turned into their unofficial stage.

According to reports, the situation escalated to a point where Eastleigh police had to request reinforcements from the Buru Buru police station. The owner of a new building opposite Atis Suits expressed concerns over the potential impact on attracting tenants if the unofficial stage continued to operate.

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"We've been pushed from one place to another, and now they want to force us out of here. How are we supposed to make a living?" one of the frustrated Boda Boda riders exclaimed.

"We understand the concerns of the property owner, but this is our livelihood. We just need a place to operate without constant disruptions," another rider stated.

Meanwhile, a taxi driver navigating the narrow streets of Eastleigh commented, "These clashes only make our job more difficult. The already congested roads become impossible to navigate when there's chaos like this."

In an attempt to resolve the crisis, a Boda Boda representative urged local leaders to intervene, emphasizing the need for an amicable solution. "We urge the authorities to consider our plight and work towards finding a sustainable resolution," the representative stated.