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By Isabella Maua
Motorcycle riders, popularly referred to as bodaboda, have been encouraged to work closely with police officers towards zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
While addressing the Bodaboda FC and Mt. Elgon Police football teams on Sunday at Kapsokwony High School, Nyajemo Simeon, Director of Sports, Bungoma County Government, called for unity among the players.
“In our strive to fight GBV at all levels, we appreciate that the Kenya Red Cross has brought you together not only for a friendly football match but also to build rapport between police and bodaboda riders,” commented Nyajemo.
Mt. Elgon Sub County Police Commander Robert Makau, on his part, encouraged Bodaboda to fearlessly report any suspected defilement or GBV cases that have recently been rampant in the region.
“We’re grateful to the Kenya Red Cross for the noble act of bringing forth this football match; now the Bodaboda fraternity has confirmed that police are also humanly friendly, hence no need to fear them,” noted Makau.
Bodaboda chairperson, Alex Ngeywo, lauded Bungoma Red Cross team for the noble action of bringing together bodaboda and police since they’ve have been having a bad relationship and bitter past which is now history.
Margaret Wanyonyi, County Coordinator Bungoma Red Cross, emphasized the need for the community to interact positively and work with the police given that Mt. Elgon has recorded high rates of GBV lately.
Kimilili Deputy OCPD, Evans Nyakundi, emphasized the need to redefine gender roles and propagate gender equality in order to curb domestic violence, which is mostly overlooked.
“The common type of GBV is intimate partner violence, which is primarily provoked by economic hardships and a lack of communication among couples,” highlighted Nyakundi.
The tournament ended with the Bodaboda team beating the police 5-1, and they wait to meet the Kopsiro police team next week to battle out for the ultimate winner.
Both teams received free jerseys and balls, with the winning team taking home a trophy.