School Games Diary: 'Boda Boda' riders abandon business to watch rising stars
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 30.07.25. | 07:20
From Ekero to Shianda, riders can be seen revving their engines from one venue to the next, determined not to miss a single moment
There is no denying the deep love for sports in the Western part of Kenya, a region known for its passionate and unwavering support for local teams.
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That fervent spirit was on full display at the ongoing National Secondary Schools Term Two Games in Kakamega County.
The annual championships, which kicked off on Tuesday, have attracted huge crowds at various venues, including Mumias Complex, Kakamega High School, and the Bullring.
And it is not just regular fans showing up, even 'boda boda' riders had to desert their duties to catch a glimpse of the future stars in action.
Matches involving Butere Girls and Musingu Boys particularly attracted large crowds.
From Ekero to Shianda, riders were seen revving their engines from one venue to the next, determined not to miss a moment.
Ahead of Tuesday's boys’ match between Musingu and Eastern region’s Moi Mbiruri High School, parking spaces at Mumias Complex were jammed with motorcycles. Riders started arriving as early as 8 am for the 10:30 am kick-off.
A similar scene played out earlier during the opening girls' fixture, where defending champions Butere Girls faced off against Dr. Charles Secondary School from the Eastern region.
Bonface Shirao, a rider from Musoli, said he simply could not concentrate on work knowing Musingu were playing.
“There is business out there, but today we said, at least let us watch one game before heading back to work,” he told Mozzart Sport.
Shirao revealed he had ridden more than 30 kilometres just to watch the match.
“For us, it is not about the money today. We love football; it is like quenching a thirst.
People from Western love sports, especially football. Football also loves Western. That is why even 'boda boda' guys are here, and that is why we have so many fields in this region,” he added.
Another rider, Peter Omondi, admitted Musingu's style of play was too good to miss.
“Musingu plays an entertaining game. That is why they have so many followers. Here in Western, that is our team,” said Omondi.
He spoke just before dashing back into the crowd to celebrate Kevin Manani’s opening goal for Musingu.
After the final whistle, the riders did not just leave; they proudly escorted the Musingu players to their team bus at Mumias Comprehensive School grounds.
Moments later, they were back on their bikes, heading to St. Ignatius Mukumu for the Red Commandos match with their football passion still burning strong.
