NTSA launches probe after tout captured on video dragging female passenger out of matatu

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is seeking information regarding a matatu whose conductor was captured in a video dragging a passenger out of the vehicle in the presence of a police officer.

In the now viral video, a female passenger is seen being forcefully pulled out from her seat in the bus by a female tout as she pleads with the latter to let her go.

The 32-second clip clip shows the commotion as the tout accuses the passenger of failing to pay the bus fare, while she insists that she had already paid.

"Nimelipa, nimelipa! Wachana na mimi,” the distressed passenger is heard pleading as she is aggressively hauled out of the vehicle.

The infuriated conductor however barks back, “Nimesema baki hapo…lazima alipe hii gari!”

As onlookers observe the scuffle, a traffic police officer in uniform can also be seen standing at the door enquiring about what is happening: “Iko nini?”

Following the incident, the authority has thus called on the public to share information about the vehicle.

“Good morning. Kindly share with us the registration number of the vehicle,” NTSA commented under a tweet in which the video was shared.

Kenyans on Twitter (KoT) have since taken to the platform to criticize the conductor, with some claiming that the passenger was being harassed over a Ksh.20 fare deficit.

Others faulted the law enforcement officer for failing to take action, as some sided with the tout arguing that the lady should also be blamed for failing to pay her dues.

“But there is a police officer as a witness why don't you track him down,” Wesley Kibande wrote.

Another user, Private Figure, added:  “Karau hawezi ongea asinyimwe chwani yake.”

“Na kuna polisi apo amekula hongo kutoka asubui haezi mlipia?” Atoti Jaber joked.

“I hope justice will be done and the police officer must step up. Pulling your fellow human being as if she is a criminal is very wrong. Aye @DCI_Kenya I'm yet to see an essay after Justice prevails. This donda should be prosecuted,” Geoffrey Moturi stated.

Baba Dennis said: “It's always fun and games in the comments until it's your mother, father, sister, sibling that's having their ribs broken because of 20 bob then you'll be here with a pay bill for medical contributions. Change begins with you.”

“If you're short of fare, just talk to the conductor politely and explain to them your issue before your board. Most are kind and will help. But you know you're short na uko na kiburi pia is wrong,” Abungu James added. 

Good morning. Kindly share with us the registration number of the vehicle— NTSA KENYA (@ntsa_kenya) May 27, 2023