Eastleigh conductor bites passenger’s cheek over Sh20 change

A matatu conductor in Nairobi plying the Eastleigh route bit a female passenger on the cheek over Sh20 bus fare balance.

Zacchaeus Otieno was charged with assaulting Lydia Wambui, 26, at the OTC bus stop in Nairobi.

According to police records, Wambui and her young daughter boarded a matatu in Eastleigh Estate, headed the Central Business District, with the accused announcing that the fare was only Sh30.

Wambui reportedly handed him Sh100, expecting Sh70 change, which the conductor claimed he didn’t have immediately, but promised to do so once he got it.

Aggressive

Upon alighting in town, Wambui is said to have asked for the balance, only for the conductor to become rude and arrogant.

He changed tune, claiming that the bus fare had been Sh50 and that she was only entitled to Sh50 balance.

It is reported that Lydia begged him for her balance, but he instead responded with blows and kicks, making her to fall to the ground.

A scuffle ensued between the duo, with the conductor sinking his teeth into Wambui’s cheek, prompting her to wail for help.

P3 form

Members of the public rushed to Wambui’s rescue and took her to hospital and helped her pick a P3 from the police.

Otieno was later arrested and arraigned at the Makadara Law Courts, where he pleaded guilty, but insisted he did so after the accused insulted and assaulted him.

“Mimi nilikuwa nimpee doo zake juu sikuwa na change but sasa vile alianza kunivuta sharti na longi, nikaona amenikosea heshima na mimi nkampiga kofi lakini sikumuuma juu meno yangu sio kali vile hata mnaeza ona,” he argued.

The case will be heard on the May 16, 2018. The accused was, however, released on a cash bail of Sh20,000.