Demonstrating boda boda operators in Kisumu heads towards Huduma Centre to be addressed by the county government.[Photo/KTN News]
Kisumu boda boda operators much publicised demonstration this Thursday botched as the operators received hostile reception from the public.
The operators were heckled and told to pay tax just like other traders.
The operators took to the streets to protest over a planned taxation of Sh20 per day but met resistance from the public and some of their colleagues.
At the bus terminus the demonstrating operators were chased away mainly by the matatu operators telling them to pay tax
The operators riding their cycles on high speed, blaring their horns went through the major streets in the city before converging at Huduma Centre to seek audience with the county government.
Caleb Odhiambo said they are not against paying taxes but are against the manner in which the process was conducted.
The deputy governor Dr Mathews Owili failed to address the operators since they were rowdy.
However, some of the operators defended the move by the county government to levy tax on them.
Tom Ochieng, an operator based next to Uchumi Supermarket says paying tax is mandatory for better services.
“I support payment of tax and I did not join the demonstration because it is not a crime to pay tax,” he said.
Ochieng appealed to the county government to ensure the tax they will be generating from the sector is put into proper use to uplift their working conditions.
Anti riot police officers were on standby for any eventuality but the operators left one by one after their botched protest.