Nicco Movers Limited has suspended a driver and a conductor while conducting an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving a female passenger, following the circulation of a video on social media that sparked public outrage.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, the transport company confirmed that it had become aware of the video and had begun reviewing the allegations. The company said it was treating the matter seriously, including claims of indecent conduct and threatening remarks.
“Nicco Movers Ltd has become aware of a video circulating on social media alleging inappropriate conduct by an individual identified as one of our drivers towards a passenger,” the company stated.
The allegations were brought to public attention by TikTok user @Thrifts_Empire, who described her experience while travelling in a Nicco Movers matatu heading towards Nairobi’s Central Business District.
According to her account, she was seated in the front passenger seat beside the driver, with no other passenger occupying that section of the vehicle. She alleged that the driver repeatedly tried to engage her in conversation, but she ignored him and put on her earphones.
The woman further claimed that as the vehicle approached Ngara, the driver covered his lap with a Maasai shuka and began engaging in inappropriate behaviour while driving. She said she secretly recorded part of the incident and confronted him when the matatu was caught in traffic, before alighting.
She also alleged that the driver made remarks about women being killed and their bodies dumped, which she interpreted as intimidating. The passenger claimed that when she subsequently reported the incident to the company’s management, she was blamed rather than offered assistance.
The allegations have drawn responses from public figures and members of the public. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris reportedly wrote to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), requesting a thorough investigation.
Nicco Movers’ suspension of the two employees comes amid calls for accountability and stronger protection for passengers using public transport.
The allegations have not been established as fact, and the company’s internal investigation and any police inquiries will be important in determining what occurred. The suspensions are interim measures and do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing by either employee.