A matatu driver from Nairobi County was arrested on allegations of robbing a passenger's mobile phone after they engaged in a heated debate over an engagement ring.
The suspect was presented before Kibera Court Principal Magistrate Sharon Maroro to answer theft charges.
The charge sheet produced by the court clerk indicated that the driver was accused of stealing a mobile phone worth Ksh32,000 from a lady who had sat in the driver's co-seat.
According to the clerk, the lady boarded the matatu which was heading to the Central Business District (CBD) from Langata.
It was reported that the driver noticed an expensive ring worn by the passenger- which became the subject of their conversation for the rest of the journey.
He reportedly insisted that a man bought the lady the ring, claims which were refuted by the passenger. The lady allegedly affirmed that she bought it herself, much to the displeasure of the driver.
Adamant in his quest, the suspect told her off and kept pestering her about the ring, alleging that she couldn't afford such expensive jewellery.
A heated debate ensued afterwards. The driver attempted to throw the passenger out of the moving vehicle after he sensed defeat but she didn't budge.
He reportedly snatched the lady's handbag and took her phone in retaliation before dropping her at an undesignated stage and sped off.
Shocked by the turn of events, the passenger reported the matter to the police who nabbed the said suspect.
The driver, however, denied all claims and was freed on a Ksh20,000 bond with a similar surety. The case is said to be heard on Monday, October 25.
