Kakamega: Boda Boda Rider Who Rushed Moses Kuria To Cabinet Meeting Discloses CS Gave Him 50k

• Benard Etale said he was carrying students to school when Trade CS Moses Kuria asked to be taken to the Kakamega state lodge
• He said when they arrived at an eatery, Kuria paid for his tea and asked him if he owned the motorcycle or if it was still being paid for
• Etale said Kuria gave him KSh 50,000 to complete the payment when he learnt he was still servicing the motorcycle loan

Kakamega - Benard Etale is grateful to Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria following their interaction in Kakamega.

The boda boda rider said he was in his usual routine of taking pupils to school when he met the Trade CS in a hurry.

Etale said he ferried the CS to an eatery, Stage Cafe, where he ordered a cup of tea for both of them.

He explained that it was then that he realised his pillion passenger had been the outspoken politician.

The excited man explained that the CS asked him if he owned the motorcycle, and when he said he was still paying for it, Kuria gave him KSh 50,000 to service the loan.

"Indeed, the honorable gave me KSh 50,000, and I cleared the debt I had for the motorcycle with it, and I also paid for the children's school fees. I am very grateful to the honorable for having that generosity.

It's not easy to see an honorable riding a motorcycle. Very few do, and if you see one riding, they often mistreat you. But I am truly thankful; God has brought a leader who possesses humanity and believes that the citizens are the first priority," he said.

What are gov't's plan for boda boda industry

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Kuria said that he was touched by the man's story since loan sharks charge up to 360% in interest.

"Loan sharks charge 360% per annum. interest, that's why I was touched and decided to give him KSh 50,000 so that he can sort out the balance, "Kuria said.

He said as a government, they would look into it so that those who give out motorbikes on loans lower the interest to boda boda hustlers, adding that it should be pocket-friendly so that it favours the buyer and seller.

The CS urged other leaders in the village to use bodabodas as a means of transport to support the industry.

Kuria divulged that they would launch electric bikes in Mombasa, adding that boda boda riders will be paying less compared to now.

"Will be launching electric bikes this coming Saturday in Mombasa, and will give directions as the government so that per day they be paid less 200 shillings unlike what the boda boda guys are paying 350 per day," he added.

Kuria rushes to Cabinet meeting

On Tuesday, August 29, Kuria took a boda boda to the first Cabinet meeting held in western Kenya in Kakamega.

The CS told the boda boda operator that his driver was late to pick him up, and he didn't want to be late again.

Kuria explained to the rider that President William Ruto had become strict about time, adding that he wasn't ready to lose his source of livelihood.