A video showing women violently attacking a taxi driver has caused anger among Kenyans and is prompting calls for the women to be arrested. The disturbing footage, which has gone viral on social media, shows a regular taxi ride turning into a violent clash between a group of female passengers and the driver.
Internet
The video, which is not dated, is believed to have been recorded in Nairobi.
It shows four women surrounding the taxi after it stops, before attacking the driver in a shocking turn of events. The clip lasts just under three minutes. In it, the women can be seen repeatedly hitting the driver while shouting at him. At one point, the driver asks the women why they are damaging his car and tries to defend himself from the assault. He attempts to get his phone back from one of the women, who, along with others, demands he hand it over, claiming he cannot afford such a costly device.
Bystanders are seen filming the incident, but there is no clear intervention from onlookers or authorities in the video.
Social media users have responded with outrage, condemning the level of aggression and calling for immediate legal action against those involved.
Many Kenyans argue that no disagreement justifies violence and are demanding that the police identify and arrest the women in the video.
Some have praised the driver for staying calm and noting that a more aggressive person might have reacted violently. Others have expressed frustration about perceived double standards, pointing out that police often respond quickly to cases where men attack women, but seem slower to act in this case.
While the exact reasons for the fight are not clear, and no official statement has been made by police or ride-hailing companies, online anger is growing.
Many Kenyans are calling for a thorough investigation and for justice to be served. Others are urging ride-hailing companies to provide better protection for drivers, such as emergency response systems and legal support.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko condemned the violence as unacceptable gender-based abuse of a hardworking individual, vowing support and demanding arrests.
He said, "This man is a hustler, earning an honest living to support himself and his family. Taking advantage of him in such a cruel manner is wrong and unjustifiable."
So far, no major ride-hailing company has issued an official statement about this incident.