Brian Kiplimo, a 26-year-old Kenyan driver, has shared the terrifying story of how a normal workday in Dubai turned into a life-threatening ordeal. Three months ago, Brian left Kenya with hope in his heart, aiming to earn money to support his family. He was recruited by a local agency and placed with KABI Taxi Company in Dubai.
At first, work was hard but manageable, and he was able to send money home. But everything changed on November 8. That day, he picked up a passenger for a short ride from Dubai Harbour to JBR. At first, the passenger seemed calm and polite, giving no warning of what was to come.
About 600 meters into the trip, the passenger shifted seats and suddenly grabbed Brian by the shoulders and started strangling him. Brian fought to survive, lifting his hands from the steering wheel in panic, which caused the car to veer off the road and hit a pavement.
He honked the horn desperately, and thankfully, a motorcyclist nearby stopped to help him. Brian jumped out of the car and called the police and an ambulance. He was rushed to Rashid Hospital with a swollen neck and a fading voice.
Help me get home’: Kenyan driver strangled in Dubai assault video pleads for rescue | Daily NationPhoto: 26-year-old Brian Kiplimo, assaulted by a Passenger in Dubai
Even after the attack, Brian faced challenges. The hospital asked him to pay for a medical report, and he had no money. Police needed dashcam footage, but he had to buy a flash drive first. His employer, KABI Taxi Company, refused to assist, giving him a letter in Arabic instead of medical support. For a week, Brian pleaded for help, but nothing was done.
On November 15, he went to the Kenyan Consulate for help. Embassy officials intervened, calling the company to support him. But the company continued to accuse him of absconding from work. Worse, he was told he needed to pay to get his passport back so he could leave the country.
Now, Brian is alone in Dubai, recovering from his injuries, and living in fear. He has one simple request: to return safely to Kenya. “I just want to go home,” he said.
By Nation