The Chairman of Busia boda boda Erick Makokha has called for the creation of a SACCO to support widows of the operators.
Speaking during a prayer forum in Busia on Wednesday, Makokha said that at least 110 young women in the County have become widows after the demise of their husbands who were boda boda operators.
“Today we are forming the SACCO because it will be very shameful to lose such women to HIV/Aids,” he said adding that the County was leading in the number of infections.
He added that another 103 children had become orphans hence living desperate lives.
The official urged the National government to set aside some emergency funds to help needy cases of road accident victims.
Burumba MCA Moses Ochieng condemned the killing of the operators adding that a number of them had died under mysterious circumstances.
Ochieng urged the national government to protect the operators by providing enough security.
“I want to appeal to security agents to ensure that the operators are protected,” he said adding that a number of them are carrying out genuine business.
The MCA further advised the operators to be their own security adding that they should not carry strangers during late hours.
“Let us also avoid using dangerous routes,” he said adding that County government has set aside funds to assist vulnerable groups like widows and orphans.
Ochieng at the same time appealed to Busia Woman representative Florence Mutua to consider the plight of the young widows.
He also disclosed that the County government has set aside funds through the cooperative department to support the operators.
“I would advise you to purchase your own motorbike or establish spare parts business,” he said.
At least 10 of the widows told the press that it was difficult to fend for their children after the demise of their husbands.
They appealed to the government and other well-wishers to come to their aid.
By Salome Alwanda
