Written by Phanice Chepkemoi 2012-08-08 16:09:00 Read 520 Times

Boda boda operators outside the Mt. Elgon County Council offices. [PHOTO|Phanice Chepkemoi|WestFm]

Business in Kapsokwony town in Mt.Elgon District came to a standstill after boda boda operators held a demonstration over alleged harassment from the County Council.

They said that the council has increased the tax money collected from Ksh.20 to Ksh.30 without giving them an early notice which angered them.

The operators accused the county council of Mt. Elgon of mismanaging the tax collectors money saying that they will not pay the new charges unless they build for them toilets, shelter and a parking lot.

“We have been suffering for long because we don’t have shelter, when it rains we have nowhere to go even toilets we don’t have, sometimes we go to the bushes,” said one of the operators.

However, while addressing them, the County council administrator Mr. Luke Mukoya told them to elect their leaders first, draft their constitution before they could dialogue with the council.

Mr.Mukoya also urged them to register with the relevant Ministry in order for them to work without disturbance and assured them that they will continue paying Ksh.20 until an agreement is settled on new levies.

Speaking at the same venue, OCS Sebastian Lekupe termed the demonstration as illegal saying that they were not notified.

“Even most of them who were protesting don’t have licences,” said the OCS.

 He urged them to apply for professional licenses which cost only Ksh.600 so that they can organize for them examiners who will test them on road safety.

“I also call upon the leaders of this area to help these young boys to get licenses so as to minimize accidents that happen every day and for the county council to put street lights to easen our work when patrolling at night,” Lekupe said.

Switch to Our Mobile Site