George Kariuki and his conductor Richard Wachira who operate a matatu along the Thika Road route have become instant heroes after helping a passenger deliver a baby on board a bus.
Speaking to Citizen TV Philomena said that she went into labour almost immediately after boarding the minibus operated by the 44 Company Sacco.
“Tukaingia, sasa pain ikaanza kuincrease. Nikaambia mwenye tulikuwa tumekaa nay eye alikuwa mwanaume akaniapproach akauniuliza kwani uko msick? Nikamwambia siskii vizuri. Nikamwambia tukifika Safari Park, anisimamishie gari,” said Philomena.
The driver George said he was told of the emergency by his conductor Richard.
Neema Hospital
“Conductor alitoka nyuma after kulipisha gari akakuja hapa mbele karibu na mimi akaniambia unajua nini? Hapo kuna mama na anaonekana ni mgonjwa na ansema anataka kushuka Neema pale hospitali."
It was raining heavily so they decided to drop her at Neema Hospital located opposite Safari Park Hotel on their way back to town. That was not to be.
“Kufika Roasters, maji ikabreak,” recalled Philomena.
Richard then rushed to get help from Roysambu while George remained watching over the woman. At this point, things escalated.
Courage
“Nilinangalia hivi nikaona nywele nikajua sasa hiki ni kichwa cha mtoto nikajua mtoto ako karibu kuanguka kwa floor,” recalled the driver.
“Lakini mungu akanipa nguvu nikanyosha mikono yangu nikashikilia mtoto.”
The baby has been named Raymond Kyallo.
His father Benjamin Mbithi said: “What he has done has given me a lot of courage and help.”