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A Sh750,000 cash donation from Deputy President William Ruto has left boda boda operators in Kitengela town split down the middle over its sharing.

The more than 7,512 registered boda boda operators are said to have differed over the sharing of the DP’s donation with a section accusing the association’s leaders of shortchanging them.

They claim the money given to officials of the boda boda association during a recent visit to the DP’s residence in Karen, Nairobi, was intended to be used to start an income generating project but the officials decided to share it among a few selected riders.

 “We were not among those who made the decision that the money be divided among individual riders because it was only prudent to have a common project that will help boost our income.

There was no meeting and consultation about sharing the money and only a committee comprising five members made a decision on behalf of us and divided the money among a few individuals,” said a rider who identified himself as Eric Onyango. 

Out of the donation, Sh100,000 was  given to Isinya boda boda riders by Nominated Senator Mary Seneta who led the delegation to the DP’s residence with their Kitengela counterparts pocketing the balance.

The recent boda boda leadership wrangles in the populous town seem to have fuelled the divisions over the sharing of the money with accusations and counter accusations among the factions.

“It has become very difficult for us to progress because of leadership wrangles.

Opportunities and gifts are only benefitting a few individuals,” protested another rider, Bernard Logito. 

For the past two years, the operators have split into two factions following a disputed election with each group claiming legitimacy.

The riders now want fresh elections to have substantive office bearers elected.

“A free and fair election will save us from these con men. Having honest leaders will help us realise development and order,” said Mark Mutuku, an operator.