Kenya charges six over attack on Uber vehicle

From left: Julius Ngumo Wamwangi, Stephen Mwariri Karanu, Christopher Mugendi Nyagah, Samwel Kinyanjui Wahumbu, Titus Munuve and John Kiiru Chege on March 29, 2016 they were charged with attempting to kill Hesbon Lunani Pachiti by setting fire to his car on February 21, 2016 in Kilimani. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By REUTERS

In Summary

• Uber drivers around the world have faced threats, protests and legal action from regular taxi operators, who say Uber's cheaper fares and business model are driving them out of business.

Kenya charged six men with attempted murder and malicious damage to property on Tuesday, saying they were involved in a February attack on a taxi driver working for ride hailing company Uber.

Uber drivers around the world have faced threats, protests and legal action from regular taxi operators, who say Uber's cheaper fares and business model are driving them out of business.

Hesbon Lulani Pachiti, who escaped after a beating when a group of men poured petrol on his car and set it alight in Nairobi on Feb. 21, was listed as the first witness in the charges presented in court against the six.

The chief magistrate's court ordered the accused into police custody until Friday when they will review the case.

Uber began operating in Kenya in early 2015, making inroads into the Nairobi market by offering lower prices and cutting out haggling that often infuriates customers