Nairobi woman smashes matatu windscreen after conductor allegedly disappears with her balance

• There was drama in the Nairobi Central Business District after a young woman smashed a matatu windscreen with a giant stone
• In a video that has gone viral on social media, what started as a simple disagreement between the driver and a passenger escalated into a confrontation
• The conductor had allegedly disappeared with her balance, and when she asked the driver about it, his response changed everything

A routine morning commute turned chaotic in Nairobi after a young woman allegedly smashed the windscreen of a matatu following a dispute over her change, according to a witness who narrated the incident.

Nairobi Woman Smashes Matatu Windscreen After Conductor Allegedly Disappears With Her Balance Source: Facebook

Story by Hillary Lisimba

The woman had reportedly boarded the public service vehicle in Buruburu while escorting her younger sister to...

school.

According to the witness, she handed the conductor KSh1,000 as fare and waited for her change as the matatu continued its journey towards the city centre.

However, when the vehicle arrived in town, the conductor was nowhere to be seen, and the balance had not been returned.

The witness claims the passenger then approached the driver to ask about her money. Instead of resolving the matter, the driver allegedly responded dismissively, telling her to “do whatever you want.”

Moments later, the situation escalated.

Frustrated, the woman reportedly picked up a large stone and hurled it at the vehicle, smashing the windscreen before attempting to flee the scene.

Her escape was short-lived, however, as bystanders and other matatu conductors nearby quickly caught up with her. She was apprehended shortly afterwards, bringing the dramatic confrontation to an abrupt end.

The incident has been met with mixed reactions, with some admitting they understand why she chose that path, because police officers hardly prosecute such cases.

Others called her out for taking the law into her hands, maintaining that she should have reported the matter to the Sacco under which the matatu belongs.

Chavulimu Ezoma Alumasa

"She was given the freedom of choice. I am a business person, and I don't like such behaviour. Mteja ni mfalme. Treat them with respect."

Vic Slavor:

"But alifanya vibaya. Mbona ugonge mat, kwani hiyo ndio imekukosea? Alafu pia nikaona wakati alishikwa akaanza kupigwa."

James Swaka Nesabo

"Siwezi kumlaumu. Inakasirisha sana, na ukivaa kiatu chake, utafanya jambo ambalo haukukusudia kulitenda. So driver alimaanisha asahau pesa zake aende?"

John Andrew Moseti

"Hasira hasara. You can't smash a windscreen due to KSh 1,000. What if they give you back your money and tell you to replace the windscreen? You will have to add KSh 11,000 more for you to replace."

Authorities had not immediately issued an official statement regarding the incident at the time of reporting.

Disputes between passengers, pedestrians and matatu crews are not uncommon in Nairobi’s bustling public transport sector.