There is barely ever a dull moment in the Kenyan political scene.
Aspirants are always pulling out different tactics and gimmicks to gain a competitive edge over their competitors.
From getting celebrities to endorse them to ‘casually’ popping by at local kiosks to drink tea, all in a bid to connect with the electorates.
Political campaigns often see aspirants accompanied by pomp, colour, and electrifying noise as they traversed the country to popularise their bid.
Bodaboda riders are, however, never left behind. They escort car motorcades during campaign rallies.
Some of the riders are used by politicians to spread their campaign manifestos, which they get paid for it.
And this year's election is offering the riders another great opportunity to double or triple their daily income.
Albert Maraga, an operator in Nairobi’s Baba Dogo area, said that the campaign period is a blessing in disguise for him.
“I always abandon my clients because I know I'll be making good money from that single campaign," he said.
Maraga said he makes more than what he gets on an average day.
"On a really good day, I usually ferry 10 passengers and end up making at least Sh1,000. On a bad day, I take home at least Sh300 or Sh400 if I am lucky," he said.
Maraga said the earnings are unpredictable, with low returns expected around mid-month since most of their clients are broke.
"The earnings depend on the distance covered. There is a week in January where I made Sh900 in one day, then Sh250 the next day," he said.
South B boda boda operator Albert Matete said he had campaigned for presidential aspirant Musalia Mudavadi in the past.
"Usually, we coordinate ourselves a day before. We decide how many of us will be in the rally," he said.
He said that the politicians usually provide money for fuel and facilitation. They also give them reflector jackets branded with the aspirant's picture, logo, and message.
"I got Sh1,500 for fuel, and after we were done, we got Sh1,000 each for a job well done," he said.
Good returns
Cosmas Nyamwea, an operator in South C, said he had campaigned for several aspirants and they had paid him well.
"I have campaigned for Member of County Assembly aspirant for South B, where I got Sh1,000 for fuel and later, Sh2,000 as appreciation," he said.
He also campaigned for Dagoretti South Member of Parliament aspirant and was paid Sh3,000.
Another operator, David Rotich, said that he gets between Sh500 and Sh1,000 in a single campaign.
"Such campaigns are a blessing, especially on the day when clients are very few," he said.
Rotich said that approximately 15 to 20 boda boda riders are usually needed in rallies and an aspirant might be forced to part with Sh40,000 for every campaign.
Bernard Makosi, Chairman of Boda Boda operators in Gatina area of Kawangware, said he had helped run several campaigns for political aspirants.
He said that in a week, they often have about two campaigns for a presidential aspirant or a governor, and one for a member of parliament and county assembly.
"On Saturdays, we can run even two campaigns, one for an MCA and another MP. Most political rallies happen on Sundays," he said.
For some aspirants, it is relatively cheap and a good way to campaign.
Emmanuel Shikuku, an MCA hopeful for the Gatina ward, said that he would employ the use of bodaboda operators this campaign season.
Shikuku delivers water to residents of Gatina.
He plans to use at least Sh20,000 monthly in campaigns. He said he would also conduct door-to-door campaigns ahead of the August 9 polls.
"I think it's a convenient way to sell yourself as a candidate to the electorate, not to mention it is a good source of employment," he said.
Despite the bad reputation that often precedes the boda boda riders, Shikuku said that he would still consider them because they are good at garnering attention and they are in touch with the public.
"They know the community since they interact with them often. If one of them has my face on the back of their reflector jacket, for example, then the public will remember me come August 9," he said.
However, not everyone is fond of this type of campaigning.
Rose Wairimu, a resident of Gatina in Kawangware, said the riders are noisy and reckless.
"When they are campaigning, they get even louder and faster. They run the risk of hitting someone one of these days," she said.
Tabitha Kendi from Kawangware's Congo area said that the riders posed danger to other road users.
"I would rather not have them speeding on the streets," she said.
George Sande, also from Gatina, said the hooliganism associated with bodaboda riders can change voters' perception of the aspirant.
"If they are too loud and rowdy, we might think they represent part of the aspirant's brand even if it is not the case," he said.
He added that the riders are always speeding and as a result, the public may fail to get the message being preached by the aspirant.
"It is always too noisy and chaotic," he said.
Makosi said he makes sure his people conduct themselves with utmost decency even while on the campaign trail.
"When we are on the road, we represent the aspirant, so we have to be very respectful and ensure safety is adhered to," he said.
He said that bodabodas are not a nuisance, they are just misunderstood.
"At least we are not out in the streets stealing from Kenyans. We are just trying to earn a living and this campaign season provides a decent way of providing for our families," he said.
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