National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has condemned what he described as the persistent harassment of boda boda riders by police officers in Luanda Constituency, calling for immediate action to end the standoff between law enforcement agencies and motorcycle operators.

Speaking on Saturday, June 6, 2026, during a boda boda empowerment programme at Luanda Vocational Training Institute, Wetang’ula said boda boda riders play a vital role in the local economy and deserve a safe environment to work.

The Speaker’s remarks come barely a month after deadly unrest in Luanda linked to a police operation targeting motorcycles, an incident that left two people dead and sparked investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Wetang’ula calls for end to boda boda harassment in Luanda

In a statement shared after the event, Wetang’ula criticised the treatment of boda boda operators and urged the relevant authorities to address their concerns.

“Today, I strongly condemned the persistent harassment of boda boda operators by police officers in Luanda Constituency and called upon the relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to bring this unfortunate situation to an end,” Wetang’ula said.

The speaker noted that thousands of families in Vihiga County depend on the boda boda sector for income and daily transport services.

According to Wetang’ula, boda boda riders contribute significantly to economic activity by connecting communities, creating employment opportunities and supporting the movement of goods and people.

“While addressing boda boda riders during an empowerment programme at Luanda Vocational Training Institute, I acknowledged the indispensable role they play in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating the movement of people and goods across our communities,” he stated.

The Wetang’ula Luanda boda boda rider message focused on the need to protect legitimate operators while maintaining law and order.

Deadly Luanda protests remain fresh in residents’ minds

The speaker’s comments come against the backdrop of tensions that erupted in Luanda in early May 2026.

The unrest followed a police operation in which officers seized several motorcycles for verification following complaints of motorcycle theft.

The crackdown triggered protests by boda boda riders and residents. Demonstrators barricaded sections of the busy Kisumu-Busia highway, disrupting transport for two days.

The situation later escalated into violence. Protesters stormed Luanda Police Station in an attempt to recover the impounded motorcycles, while some groups reportedly looted businesses in the town.

Two people lost their lives during the chaos, including local entertainer DJ Denno. Several protesters were arrested, and several police officers sustained injuries.

IPOA subsequently launched investigations into claims that officers may have used excessive force during the operation.

The events brought renewed attention to long-standing complaints from boda boda riders, who have accused security officers of targeting operators who lack complete documentation rather than focusing on criminal networks involved in motorcycle theft.

Wetang’ula urges riders to cooperate with security agencies

Even as he criticised police harassment, Wetang’ula challenged boda boda riders to remain law-abiding and support efforts to improve security.

The Speaker said cooperation between riders and security agencies would help reduce crime while protecting the rights of legitimate operators.

“At the same time, I urged the riders to remain law-abiding citizens, work closely with security agencies, and actively support efforts aimed at enhancing public safety and combating crime within their respective communities,” he said.

The boda boda sector remains one of Kenya’s largest sources of informal employment. In many parts of Western Kenya, riders provide essential transport services in areas where public transport options remain limited.

For many residents in Luanda, motorcycles serve as the main link between homes, markets, schools and health facilities.

Wetang’ula pushes for development and political unity

Beyond the boda boda issue, Wetang’ula used the gathering to challenge senior government officials from the Western region to accelerate development projects.

He called on Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other senior leaders from the region to use their positions to improve livelihoods while supporting President William Ruto’s development agenda.

“I further challenged Luhya leaders serving in senior positions within government, including Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, to leverage their offices in advancing transformative development programmes that directly uplift our people while consolidating support for the re-election of President William Ruto,” he said.

The remarks add to Wetang’ula’s growing political profile in the region. In recent months, he has repeatedly spoken about national leadership and has been mentioned by allies as a possible presidential contender after Ruto’s tenure.

Last month, presidential aide Farouk Kibet publicly endorsed Wetang’ula as a potential future presidential candidate, while the Speaker himself has hinted at ambitions beyond his current position.

SGR extension welcomed by Wetang’ula

Wetang’ula also welcomed President Ruto’s pledge to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to Western Kenya.

According to the Speaker, the proposed project, including plans for a major station in Luanda Town, could transform the region’s economy by improving transport and attracting investment.

“I warmly welcomed President Ruto’s commitment to extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Western Kenya, including the establishment of a major station in Luanda Town, an undertaking that promises to unlock immense economic opportunities for the region,” Wetang’ula said.

He also thanked members of the Western MPs Caucus for supporting the government’s development programmes.

For many residents, however, the immediate concern remains the relationship between police officers and boda boda riders. Wetang’ula’s intervention places fresh pressure on authorities to address the grievances raised by operators and prevent a repeat of the violence that recently shook Luanda.