Bolt, a digital taxi-hailing service, has suspended a driver who was caught indecently exposing himself while carrying female passengers in Nairobi on Monday.
The firm expressed worry about the occurrence in a statement, stressing that the driver will not provide services on the platform while the inquiry is ongoing.
The impacted passengers were also contacted, with Bolt attempting to keep them updated on the status of the investigations while also assuring them of their safety and well-being.
“We are also actively engaging with the affected rider, and once again take this opportunity to express our sincere concern and empathy over this unfortunate incident. We remain committed to promptly addressing and continuously supporting our valued clients during such difficult moments.
“At Bolt, the safety of our drivers and passengers remains our highest priority. We remain committed to vigilance and swift response in handling such incidents,” read the statement in part.
The cab company issued the statement after a video captured by one of the female passengers went viral, eliciting an uproar among Kenyans.
According to travel details shared by the passengers, they ordered the cab services at Ring Road Adlife Plaza at 7:34 a.m. and were headed to Gachie.
However, midway, one of the female passengers noticed that the driver had opened his trouser zip, exposing himself indecently. This forced the passenger to record the video and raise the alarm.
“Why are you undressing? Drop us off here. Let us alight because this man is naked,” one of the passengers stated and demanded to end the journey before being dropped off at Olenguruone Road in Lavington.
It is yet to be known whether the matter was reported to the police.
After the video went viral, Kenyans were urged to remain vigilant regarding such incidents, especially now that schools are closing.
“This conduct should not be tolerated, and I urge anyone with more information or who has faced a similar ordeal to come forward so that we can protect our mothers, daughters, or family members,” former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko commented.
“Let this video act as an educational and send a warning to young ladies to be extremely cautious before boarding cabs, especially when vulnerable or unaccompanied,” Sonko added.
