A Kenyan cab driver, Brian Kiplimo, has been hospitalized in Dubai following a brutal assault by a client inside his vehicle. The 26-year-old, who moved to the UAE only two months ago in search of better opportunities, was attacked after reportedly refusing inappropriate advances.
According to Kiplimo’s family, the incident occurred on November 8 at around 5:58 am local time. Video footage shows Kiplimo engaging the client in his car before the passenger unexpectedly moved to the back seat and placed him in a chokehold. Preliminary reports indicate that the assault followed Kiplimo’s refusal to allow the client to touch him.
The cab driver was immediately taken to a hospital, where he is receiving treatment. However, his family remains concerned, as Kiplimo is currently unable to leave Dubai. His employer reportedly holds his passport and other essential documents, complicating any attempts to return home.
Efforts by Kiplimo’s family to lodge a complaint with the cab company have reportedly been unsuccessful. While Dubai authorities have been informed of the attack, the family has not received substantial updates on the progress of legal proceedings.
The case has sparked outrage on social media, with many Kenyans calling on the government to protect citizens working abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on the matter.
This incident comes shortly after Kiambu Senator Karung’o wa Thang’wa highlighted the plight of Kenyan mothers stranded in Saudi Arabia, who were unable to leave after losing their jobs. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs clarified that a bureaucratic process exists for their return, but it has not been effectively utilized.
The assault on Brian Kiplimo underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for Kenyans working overseas, particularly those in vulnerable positions in the Middle East.
