More than 150 boda boda operators in Mombasa Island have endorsed ODM's Mvita parliamentary aspirant Abduswamad Sharif Nassir.They said Abdulswamad had their interests at heart through the many projects he has initiated geared towards improving their livelihoods.

The group's chairman Geoffrey Oira said they will support him in the March elections.He asked Abdulswamad to help them establish a strong Sacco."Our support for you is inevitable. You have been there for us. But still we want more because our safety is wanting. We need helmets and guarantee us security in Mombasa once you are given that seat," said Oira.

Abduswamad met the youths in Shimanzi on Monday accompanied by other aspirants.He lamented the rising cases of accidents involving boda boda operators and pledged to sponsor untrained members of the group to undertake the necessary training and get driving licenses.

The promise by Abdulswamad comes amid tough traffic rules under the new Traffic Amendment Act 2012 being enforced by the Transport ministry."Most of you are still in your youth. You need to think ahead about securing your future by learning to save the little you get and diversifying your investments because I will be happier if all of us are better off," he said.

Abduswamad used the opportunity to drum up support for Kisauni MP Hassan Joho's Mombasa governor bid saying he has over the years demonstrated his capabilities of changing the face of the town through development.

"Joho's leadership epitomises the true change that Mombasa residents need," he said adding that he has faith in Joho's leadership potential. Abduswamad projects are channeled through the Sharif Nassir Foundation which he chairs.