The government has reacted to the incidence captured in one of the viral videos of women assaulting a taxi driver, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and does not conform to the norms of a civil society.
According to a post the principal secretary of the State Department of Gender Affairs, Anne Wang’ombe, shared on social media platforms on December 23, the government is alarmed by the video that has been circulating. The video is said to show a number of women attacking a taxi driver while declining payment for the services they had received.
“We are deeply concerned about the video footage that has gone viral showing women assaulting a taxi driver and failing to pay for services delivered. This behavior is simply unacceptable and falls below the standards of behavior that should be observed in society,” said PS Wang’ombe.
The Principal Secretary condemned what she termed acts of violence perpetrated against the driver, who is shown defending himself against attack by the women.
“The State Department of Gender strongly condemns this violent action,” she added.
PS Wang’ombe reported that the ministry would do everything necessary to ensure that all the participants involved in the incident face the appropriate action since violence and exploitation of service providers would not be tolerated.
“Those responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” she said.
According to reports, the incident was between the taxi driver, whom the women had hired online, and the women, who refused to pay for the service when the vehicle arrived at the destination, and the matter resulted in an argument that was recorded in the video.
The incident has caused various reactions on social media with demands for accountability and justice for the driver. To this end, PS Wang’ombe has encouraged the driver to seek assistance from the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services.
She also called on people who may have information on the case or on the identity of the individuals involved in the incident to make contact with the State Department. The public is advised to provide information on either 1195 or through a direct message on the State Department. The ministry also stated that it is “committed to upholding the principles of dignity, equality, and respect for the rule of law, and that violence against any person, woman or man, whatever her or his profession, is not acceptable.”
