Online drivers demand resignation of rogue federation leaders

Jeff Orroka (right), a representative of online drivers, speaks at a press conference at Serena Hotel in Nairobi alongside Cyrus Hinga, who represents matatu drivers and conductors in the city. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Online drivers affiliated to the Federation of Digital Commerce (FEDCO) have demanded the resignation of the federation's Chairman Calvin Nyalwe and Secretary General Zubeda Ali over fraud, embezzlement and betrayal allegations.

In a press statement, Jeff Orroka, the executive member representative of online drivers, said that the two leaders have gone rogue and turned the federation into their private property.

"They have failed to deliver what the federation promised its members and what they pay for. They have no regard for the laid-down procedures and processes of the federation," said Orroka.

He cited an example of how the federation's president and secretary general colluded with security agents to have online drivers arrested for staging a peaceful protest against one of the hailing companies due to unfavourable working conditions.

"The person who should be at the forefront of championing the well-being of his members not only throws them under the bus but literally abandons them at the hour of need," he added.

"For this we say we have no confidence in the chairman and the secretary general and they must leave the office."

Orroka also accused the two leaders of being involved in fraudulent activities including alleged illegal and fraudulent use of federation funds.

"We are reliably informed that they will appear in court on Monday. As an affiliate we will be making an application to be enjoined in the suit to kick out the two from the federation. We cannot have officials whose work is to look after their own welfare at the expense of their members who put them into those positions. For that the two must leave the office as we have lost confidence in them," he said.

"We demand the immediate resignation of the two from the office with immediate effect."