The Political Ringside recently hosted a discussion that focused on the political situation in Nairobi and the future of Governor Johnson Sakaja as the 2027 elections slowly come into view.
The show, hosted by Kevin Waswa, featured Ken Onyango as the guest speaker. The conversation mainly looked at how boda boda riders in Nairobi view the county leadership and whether the governor still enjoys strong support from this important group of workers.
The political discussion gives space to voices from everyday workers who are directly affected by decisions made by county leaders.
In this episode, Ken Onyango spoke on behalf of boda boda operators, a large group of hustlers in the city who depend on the motorcycle taxi business to earn a living.
Boda boda transport is widely used across Nairobi because it helps people move quickly through traffic and reach places that other forms of transport may not easily access.
During the discussion, Onyango shared the experiences of riders and the challenges they face while working in the city. He explained that many operators feel pressure from different regulations that control how they operate. These include licensing rules, restrictions on where they can operate, and frequent crackdowns on riders who are said to be working illegally. According to him, these policies sometimes affect the daily income of riders who already work long hours to support their families.
Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja. Photo Courtesy:
The chairman also talked about the cost of permits and other charges that riders must pay in order to operate legally. He said that some of these costs are high for many operators, especially those who are just starting out in the business.
In addition, riders often face confrontations with enforcement officers, which creates tension between the sector and county authorities. Onyango noted that despite the important role boda bodas play in transport and employment, many riders feel that their concerns are not always given enough attention.
Part of the conversation focused on whether Governor Johnson Sakaja has fulfilled promises made to the boda boda sector during his campaign and the early part of his leadership.
Onyango pointed out areas where riders hoped to see improvements. These include better working conditions, improved safety for operators, and stronger inclusion of boda boda representatives in county planning and policy discussions.
The discussion also moved to wider issues affecting residents of Nairobi. Topics such as the cost of living, traffic management, and general city planning were raised.
These issues, according to Onyango, directly affect small-scale workers like boda boda riders who depend on smooth movement around the city to earn their income.
From the hustlers’ point of view, Onyango offered a clear opinion on whether Governor Sakaja still holds strong support among riders.
He explained that opinions are mixed. While some operators still believe the governor can address their concerns, others feel that progress has been slow in areas they consider important.
Kevin Waswa guided the discussion with questions that allowed the guest to explain the concerns of riders in detail. The tone of the talk remained simple and focused on real experiences rather than political slogans.
There were also mentions of public gatherings and protests by boda boda operators, which show how the sector sometimes organizes itself to demand change.
Onyango shared his final thoughts on what leaders need to do to regain or maintain the trust of boda boda operators and other hustlers in the city. He emphasized that practical solutions to everyday problems will matter more than promises.
The episode reflects the goal of Political Ringside, which is to bring voices from different sectors of society into conversations about leadership and governance in Nairobi.
