NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has strongly condemned the assault of a taxi driver by a group of women following a night out, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved and describing the incident as a disturbing act of violence against a hardworking Kenyan.
In a statement issued, Sonko expressed outrage over the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, questioning how a disagreement over payment could escalate into physical assault and destruction of property.
“Why would anyone insult and assault a cab driver who safely took them home after sherehe? This is completely unacceptable and deeply disturbing. No disagreement whatsoever should ever escalate into violence, abuse, or the destruction of someone’s livelihood,” Sonko said.
According to videos circulating online and shared by social media platforms, the incident occurred after the driver ferried a group of women to their destination following a night out. Upon arrival, the women allegedly refused to pay the agreed fare. When the driver insisted on payment, the situation reportedly escalated.
Footage seen online shows the women, who appeared intoxicated, verbally abusing the driver before physically attacking him.
The altercation extended beyond personal assault, with the women allegedly vandalising the vehicle by breaking side mirrors and denting the car’s body, significantly damaging the driver’s source of income.
The exact trigger of the confrontation remains unclear, and by Tuesday, the driver had not publicly confirmed whether the matter had been formally reported to the police. However, the video sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Kenyans calling for swift police action and accountability.
Sonko described the attack as particularly cruel, noting that the driver was simply trying to earn an honest living.
“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,” he said.
The former governor, who has in recent years positioned himself as a vocal advocate against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), stressed that violence should be condemned regardless of the gender of either the victim or the perpetrator.
“As a strong ambassador in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), I strongly condemn this act. Violence in any form — whether against men or women — must never be tolerated. GBV is not selective, and justice must apply equally to all,” Sonko stated.
He went on to demand immediate action from law enforcement agencies, urging them to arrest and charge the women involved for assault and malicious damage to property.
“I am calling for immediate justice for this driver and urge the relevant authorities to arrest and charge the ladies involved for assault and for damaging his vehicle. Accountability must be enforced,” he said.
Sonko also pledged personal support to the driver, saying he was ready to assist him in pursuing justice and recovering from the losses incurred.
“I stand ready to support him fully in his pursuit of justice. No hustler deserves to be abused for simply doing their job,” he added.
The incident has reignited debate around the safety of ride-hailing and taxi drivers, particularly during late-night hours, and the broader issue of violence linked to alcohol consumption. Legal experts note that under Kenyan law, assault and malicious damage to property are criminal offences punishable by fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the harm caused.
As public pressure mounts, many Kenyans online have urged the driver to report the matter formally, saying accountability would send a strong message against violence and impunity. By Tuesday night, police had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The case now places renewed focus on equal application of the law and the protection of workers in the informal transport sector, as calls grow louder for authorities to act swiftly and decisively.
