BY NURU SALIM
The tragic abduction and killing of Victoria Muloki, a mother of three and a dedicated cab driver has sent shockwaves through the Mombasa cab drivers society prompting protests by fellow drivers.
Muloki who had been working as a cab driver in Mombasa for four years was found dead days after she was requested for a ride through a popular taxi app.
Authorities have arrested the suspect, who was taken into custody shortly after the discovery of Victoria’s body.
However, a fresh twist emerged when fellow cab drivers took to the streets, protesting in Mombasa’s central business district, claiming that the true perpetrator was a foreign national.
According to the drivers, the individual has long been known for suspicious activities but has severally evaded justice.
One of the cab drivers Sarah Ng’ang’a demanded justice for Muloki.
“Justice must prevail. They killed one of us, and the police took too long to respond. That’s why we’re out here protesting,” she said.
Ng’ang’a noted said such incidents are becoming more frequent, highlighting a case where a driver was also assaulted by a foreigner after asking for payment for her services.
She decried that despite being over a month since the attack, no justice has been served.
Ng’ang’a emphasized that the plight of women working in the cab business is increasingly becoming dangerous.
“As women, in whose hands are we safe? We go through so much during our business yet no police officer has responded positively to our cases,” she said.
Another driver Judy Njeru pleaded for justice, underlining the vital role that women play in society.
She said women must be looked after and respected.
Njeru said the officer in charge must take action to ensure their security is not compromised.
She raised concerns about the alleged foreign suspect, who she claims is attempting to leave the country, despite being implicated in both the murder of Victoria and the assault on Asha.
“We’ve heard that this suspect is planning to flee the country, and yet the police have made no moves to stop him. We cannot allow this to happen. We demand action before it’s too late,” she said.
Police are yet to issue a statement on the protests or the allegations raised by the cab drivers.
Victoria leaves behind three children, who now face an uncertain future as the case surrounding their mothr’s death continues to unfold.
