Kapseret constituency in Uasin Gishu County witnessed dramatic scenes on Monday as a section of boda boda riders took to the streets to protest against their area Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, accusing him of neglecting development projects in the region.
The riders, who form a significant portion of the youth in Kapseret, expressed frustration over what they described as “years of unfulfilled promises.” Gathering in small groups before converging along the busy Eldoret–Kesses Road, the protesters carried placards bearing messages critical of their MP. Some of the inscriptions read: “We need roads, not empty promises” and “Kapseret deserves development too.”
Chanting slogans, the riders said they were tired of being used as political pawns every election cycle. They accused Sudi, who is serving his third term, of focusing more on national politics and sidelining pressing local issues.
“We respect him as our leader, but enough is enough. Look at the state of our roads, our markets, and our schools. We are suffering while he spends time in Nairobi making speeches,” said one of the protesters.
Poor Infrastructure Tops the List of Complaints
The riders highlighted the poor condition of feeder roads in Kapseret as their main grievance. They argued that bad roads have not only made transportation difficult but also increased maintenance costs for their motorcycles, eating into their daily income.
In addition to infrastructure concerns, the protesters decried limited opportunities for youth empowerment. They said despite repeated pledges of bursaries, funds for small businesses, and skills development initiatives, many of them have yet to benefit from such programs.
“We are young people trying to make an honest living, but there are no meaningful programs to support us. Most of us depend on boda boda to feed our families, and even then, we are still struggling,” lamented another rider.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
This protest adds to growing criticism of Oscar Sudi, who has built a national profile as a close ally of President William Ruto. While Sudi is admired by some for his bold political stance, critics argue that his high visibility in national politics has come at the expense of addressing local needs in Kapseret.
Community elders and traders who joined the riders echoed similar sentiments. They accused the MP of failing to deliver on development promises made during the 2022 campaigns.
“We gave him overwhelming votes, but look at where we are. We don’t see tangible projects that can uplift our people. Leadership is about service, not rhetoric,” said a trader at Kapseret center.
Police Intervention
The protest, though largely peaceful, attracted the attention of security officers who were deployed to monitor the situation. Police persuaded the riders to disperse and assured them that their concerns would be channeled to the relevant authorities. No arrests were reported during the demonstration.
Sudi Yet to Respond
As of press time, Oscar Sudi had not issued an official statement regarding the protests. Calls and messages to his office went unanswered. However, his allies have previously defended him, arguing that development is a shared responsibility between national and county governments.
Political analysts note that the protest signals growing restlessness among voters who expect tangible results from their leaders. With more than two years left before the next general election, such public discontent could pose challenges to Sudi’s political influence in his backyard.
A Call for Accountability
The Kapseret boda boda riders concluded their protest with a call for accountability and transparency. They vowed to continue pressing for development until they see visible results in road improvement, youth programs, and better services.
“Politics will not feed us. Development will. We want leaders who listen and deliver,” one protester summed up.
As the dust settles, all eyes now remain on MP Sudi to see whether he will address the concerns raised by his constituents or continue to face mounting pressure from the very youth who once passionately supported him.
