The trend of motorists driving off after pumping fuel at petrol stations within Nairobi appears to be on the rise following an incident that took place on Wednesday.
According to CCTV footage, a motorist driving a white Toyota NZE fled after refilling fuel worth Ksh8,000 at a local petrol station in Ruaka.
In the footage, the driver arrived at the station at around 9:10 pm and was served by an attendant.
After fuelling, the motorist suddenly accelerated and sped off, forcing the station's attendant to chase the car in pursuit.
He tried to throw an umbrella towards the vehicle in a failed attempt to stop the motorist from fleeing.
The video was shared online by a social media user who claimed that the petrol station attendant was his cousin. He registered his disappointment that his kin would be forced to incur the cost since the amount would be deducted from his salary.
In line with his argument, the user shared the number plates of the vehicle, urging police officers to take up the matter.
"He just ran away after fuelling Ksh8,000 in Ruaka. Now my cousin is being deducted from her salary. Times are hard for everyone. Let's find this driver," he stated.
Kenyans online also voiced their frustrations on such incidents where motorists take advantage and speed off without paying.
"It's extremely bad that should be treated as robbery with violence," one online user commented.
"This running has become rampant. Moving forward one should pay first before getting fuel," another user added.
Recently, another case involving a motorist speeding off without paying for fuel worth Ksh8,000 in Buru Buru attracted the ire of Kenyans online.
In the past month, three cases have also been reported at various police stations, showing a rise in the trend.
Observers have urged petrol stations to improve customer service at their outlets by introducing a pay-first policy and also erecting barriers at the exits to prevent further cases from occurring.
