Inside Nairobi's boda boda church

Despite the role riders in the transportation sector, they are also faced by challenges, ranging from insecurity to road accidents. 

At times, gangs use boda bodas to commit crime, notably snatching valuables from unsuspecting people, or even used as escape means from crime scenes. 

While these challenges continue to plague the sector, some operators are smashing the negativity around boda bodas by not only earning their living fairly, but also spreading the gospel. 

In Nairobi's CBD, a group of boda boda operators is the talk of town. Calling themselves the Levite Riders Missioners International, 100 boda boda operators unite to worship in the streets of the capital, attracting city dwellers going about their activities. 

The riders congregate four times a week at various boda boda stages, among them the junction of Tom Mboya Street and Accra Road.

Here, using the music instruments they have managed to purchase for themselves, they break into song and dance, praise and worship, and fellowship. 

Amwai Evans, a boda boda rider who doubles up as the chairman of Levite Riders Missioners International, says they started the group to help sanitize the boda boda industry and also provide spiritual nourishment to the riders. 

"You don't have to be saved to be part of this group. We called our people to join and those willing came on board. Gradually the group has grown to over 200 members including those not operating bodaboda," Amwai says. 

Through the worship, they have managed to change perceptions and narratives about the boda boda sector, with more people now embracing operators as their own. 

"We've managed to attract more people through our fellowship. Most are riders but those from the outside are also welcome. They only need to get our branded reflector jackets and we are good to go," Amwai adds. 

The fellowship starts at 5:30pm and runs into 8 pm. By this time, commuters headed home stop by to join the riders to sing, dance and pray. 

The group collects offerings from willing givers to help run their day to day activities. 

Watch the full interview on Citizen Digital.