Public anger has grown after disturbing videos and images spread online showing a damaged taxi, with broken side mirrors and visible dents, following an alleged assault on a driver in Nairobi. The footage triggered strong reactions and drew an official response from the government.
The driver at the centre of the incident, Nelson Nyakoe, said the confrontation happened outside Black Samurai Lounge in Kilimani. He explained that the women captured in the viral clip were not his clients and had not booked his taxi.
“The people seen in the clip were not my clients. I had received a request from a man, and while he was in the car, he was waiting for his friend to arrive. The ladies then came and said that the car they had requested was too small and that they wanted to use mine because it was bigger and more spacious,’’ Nelson narrated.
Nyakoe said one of the women entered the vehicle without his consent, while another attempted to sit in the back seat, which was already occupied.
"One of them opened the front door and sat down, while another wanted to sit in the back seat, which was already occupied by my client. They demanded that my customer alight, but I refused because I was already serving him. They were in a group and suddenly started beating me. Some of them tried to snatch my phone, and they even damaged my side mirror.”
He added that other women nearby appeared ready to join the confrontation, but he discouraged them out of fear that the situation would worsen.
“Some women who were nearby wanted to escalate the situation, but I asked them to stay away because I feared the altercation would harm my reputation or spoil the evidence.’’
Nyakoe said he reported the matter at Kilimani Police Station and later returned after being summoned.
'' I reported the incident at Kilimani Police Station and later went there when summoned. I was taken to the gender desk, where I was treated lawfully. At the time, the suspects were released because I had not yet seen the videos, which later became important evidence.”
The driver said the incident left him shaken and publicly embarrassed, and he is now seeking justice.
“I am seeking justice. The humiliation I experienced was frightening, and what happened to me was an injustice.”
The government has since weighed in on the matter. The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Gender, Anne Wang’ombe, condemned the actions shown in the viral video, saying they go against the values of 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.
Wang’ombe said the ministry would move to ensure accountability for those involved.
“The State Department for Gender condemns this act of violence unequivocally. Those responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," the PS announced.
She also urged the driver to contact the Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services for assistance as investigations continue, following widespread reaction to the footage on social media.
