A section of bodaboda operators in Kisumu are now accusing their leaders of corruption, with regards to their subjection to a new tax by the county government.
The operators have over the last days embarked on protests to avoid the Sh500 monthly fee, before giving in to the county pressure and beginning to pay two days ago.
However, they are accusing their leaders of failing to protect them and siding with the county government, in as much as the fee is concerned.
They also accused Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and their leaders of lying to them regarding the expiry of stickers issued upon payment of the fee.
The operators claim that the county has set a specific expiry date for all stickers, yet not all riders paid with the specified period.
“Our leaders have taken bribes. We don’t want the CBO in Milimani Market Ward. They are the people misleading us,” Michael Owino, a rider, told the Nation.
"We have agreed to pay taxes but we want the stickers to expire on the same date the following year. The universal expiry of the stickers affect some of us,” said George Owino.
County Revenue Director John Ngare assured the riders of better services in exchange.
"They are our partners, not our enemies. They, therefore, have to pay taxes. We are ready to offer them good services," he said.