Twelve Uber drivers arrested on Tuesday during protests by online cab drivers were arraigned in a Nairobi court on Wednesday, facing charges of creating a disturbance.
The drivers, identified as Geofrey Gucha, Jaafar Sadat, Stanilas Kimani, Simon Mwangi, Dennis Mbuto, Paul Misati, Mustafa Odhiambo, Robert Njenga, Raphael Musyoka, Jeff Oroka, Peter Mwangi, and John Maina, were part of a group protesting what they described as mistreatment by their online taxi app partners.
They were charged with creating a disturbance likely to cause a breach of peace by barricading Bishop Road with stones and burning tires during their demonstrations. Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki, all twelve denied the charges and were each released on a cash bail of Sh 3,000.
The drivers, also known as “captains,” took to the streets to voice their frustrations, alleging that repeated meetings with their online taxi app partners, including Bolt, Uber, and Faras, have failed to yield satisfactory results. The drivers argue that the low commissions offered by these ride-hailing apps are insufficient, especially given the rising inflation in the country.
Despite multiple attempts to negotiate fairer terms, the drivers claim their concerns have been consistently ignored, prompting them to take collective action.
The case is scheduled for mention on September 25, 2024.
