Nairobi cab driver speaks out after viral assault by a group of women

Speaking to online gossip platforms, the driver revealed that he was picking up a different male client outside the Black Samurai nightclub when the gang of four girls walked up to his car, attempted to force their way in, despite the fact that the original client was already seated in the backseat of the vehicle.

"The client was already seated in the car waiting for his friend so that I start the trip. The girls walked up to us and opened the front door, and one girl proceeded to sit. They demanded that my original client find another vehicle because they were many and my vehicle was big enough for them. I told them that it wasn't possible since I already had a client," he revealed.

The driver went on to reveal that the girls suddenly became erratic, with one of them rushing to the back of his car, and yanking off the back wiper.

"They were not even my clients. They didn't even order my cab. They beat me up so badly. Some attempted to force themselves into the car using the windows while another one grabbed my phone by force," he went on.

As the drama escalated, the driver reveals that the girls damaged his vehicle, broke his side mirrors, dented the body and continued to beat him up ruthlessly, even as he struggled to contain the situation and prevent an all-out escalation.

According to the driver, there were many other people who wanted to beat the women, but he told them not to do it as the problem would fall on his shoulders. 

A man who saw the incident went to get the cops, and the ladies were arrested. 

The cab driver also went to report the matter, and the next morning, a female officer from Kilimani Police Station took him to the gender office and asked for evidence. 

"I told them that I didn't have it; I didn't know people had taken these videos," he said.

The driver further revealed that he was then forced to withdraw the case by the Kilimani police, citing lack of evidence.

"They said they cannot keep holding the women in the cells and they needed to free them. I had to withdraw the case as directed since I didn't have evidence of the assault," he lamented.

Nairobi County Communications Executive Geoffrey Mosisria, who was seen flanking the driver, has, however, vowed to seek justice for the man who cannot work because of the incident.

"I call upon the Inspector General of Police and the Kilimani OCS to intervene and ensure that this man gets justice," he said.

Several government officials and leaders have also joined thousands of Kenyans online in calling for the arrest of the female perpetrators and justice for the cab driver.

In a social media statement on December 23, the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Gender Affairs, Anne Wang'ombe, condemned the conduct of the women involved, saying that such actions violate the standards of a civil society.

“We are profoundly disturbed by the viral video depicting several women assaulting a taxi driver and allegedly refusing to pay for services rendered. Such conduct is utterly unacceptable and violates the standards of a civil society,” the PS wrote.

The Principal Secretary also announced that the ministry will take action against the individuals involved in the incident and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.

"Those responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," The PS announced.

On his part, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also expressed outrage over the alleged assault of the cabbie, calling the incident “deeply disturbing” and demanding swift police intervention.

"Why would anyone insult and assault a cab driver who safely took them home after sherehe? This is completely unacceptable and deeply disturbing,” Sonko said.

“No disagreement whatsoever should ever escalate into violence, abuse, or the destruction of someone’s livelihood."