Tuk Tuk Operator in Viral Video Defends Fighting Police Officers

A tuk-tuk operator who was caught on camera fighting two traffic police officers has defended his actions saying the law enforcers caused damage to his vehicle.

Speaking at his hideout, the Tuk Tuk operator claimed the officers had destroyed his auto rickshaw’s windscreen and side mirrors. He added that after one of the officers used a club to smash his side mirror and windscreen, they attempted to beat him up forcing him to defend himself.

The man who sought anonymity told the Standard that he was on his way to Nakuru town with three passengers on board when the incident happened.

He said the traffic cops had stopped two other tuk-tuks and were collecting bribes from their operators.

“The officers had stopped two other tuk tuks and I could see them receive money. They saw me approach and one signaled me to stop,” he said.

As he slowed down to stop, one of the officers hit his side mirror and smashed the windscreen. The tuk-tuk rider said after stopping, he asked the officer why he had smashed his side mirror but the officer could not explain.

“I asked for the second time why the officer smashed my side mirror but the officer could not explain,” he said.

“I got annoyed and demanded to be given answers, as they tried to intimidate me, saying there was nothing I could do to them.”

He said he engaged the officers in a scuffle when the officers attempted to topple over his Tuk-tuk.

“I decided enough was enough and had to fight what I believed to be unjust and unfair cops who were intimidating me because they were in Government uniform. We exchanged blows and after I overpowered them, they picked stones and hurled at me. I had to get into my tuk tuk and try to confuse them by changing direction,” he said.

“I completely lost my mind because of the injustice, which was being meted on me by police officers whose interest was the bribe.”

The father of one said he suffered bruises on his neck and the right arm from the heated scuffle.

Additional Reporting by Standard