Nairobi News

Bolt, one of the country’s leading mobility companies, has once again been embroiled in a controversy involving passengers using its transport services.

This comes after investigations revealed that the two rescued women, one of whom is the daughter of media personality Ciku Muiruri, had ordered a vehicle using Bolt’s application.

Muiruri’s daughter Erica Gachoka, 26, and her friend Shanice Agose, 27, were rescued in Kiambu County on Sunday, June 11, after missing on June 4 while attending a house party in Westlands, Nairobi.

Also read: Female client smashed my windscreen with a gun – Bolt driver

In a statement on Tuesday, Bolt management blamed the victims for failing to check the details of the vehicle that picked them up to see if it matched what they had ordered.

“We strongly discourage the use of vehicles that do not match the details on the platform, as this was one of the issues that led to this unfortunate incident…Riders are encouraged to confirm that the driver and vehicle registration details match those on the app at the time of collection,” read part of the statement.

In addition, the company said its driver and rider apps also have an SOS emergency button that can be used anytime during an active journey to alert and request security and emergency medical assistance.

Now the company says that the driver who picked up the two ladies had falsified his details.

“We immediately block drivers who engage in this behaviour. We have also introduced a driver selfie check feature on the platform to enhance safety and prevent driver impersonation and account sharing.”

Various crude weapons and fake number plates were recovered from the suspects during the rescue operation.

Also read: Bolt to offer expectant mothers free rides during curfew hours