Concern as Kenyans Taxi Driver Assaulted in Dubai, Left Stranded Without Passport

The welfare of Kenyans working abroad has once again come under the spotlight following a distressing incident involving a young Kenyan cab driver in Dubai.

Brian Kiplimo, who moved to the Middle East only two months ago in search of better opportunities, was brutally assaulted by a client while on duty.

The attack, which was captured on video, shows the client choking Kiplimo inside the cab, sparking outrage among Kenyans both at home and abroad.

According to Kiplimo’s family, the incident occurred on November 8, around 5:58 am local time, when he had picked up a client for a routine trip.

While the journey initially went smoothly, the client unexpectedly moved to the back seat and attacked Kiplimo in a violent chokehold.

Preliminary reports indicate that the assault followed Kiplimo refusing inappropriate advances from the passenger, highlighting the dangers migrant workers can face even during seemingly ordinary tasks. 

The young cab driver was immediately hospitalised, but the family remains anxious as they navigate the complexities of seeking justice under UAE law.

Adding to the family’s distress, Kiplimo is currently unable to leave Dubai because his employer holds his passport and other essential documents.

Attempts to report the matter to the cab company have reportedly been futile, and despite notifying Dubai authorities, the family has not received any substantive updates on the legal proceedings.

This has left the family in a difficult position, raising concerns about the rights and protections available to Kenyan workers abroad.

The incident comes at a time when attention is already focused on the plight of Kenyans working in the Gulf region.

Just a week prior, Kiambu Senator Karung’o wa Than’gwa drew attention to Kenyan mothers stranded in Saudi Arabia after being dismissed by their employers, highlighting systemic issues surrounding worker welfare and documentation abroad.

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs have laid out bureaucratic pathways for such cases, many families, including Kiplimo’s, struggle to access timely assistance.

Kiplimo’s case has reignited calls for the Kenyan government to intensify protective measures for citizens working overseas.

Many Kenyans have expressed frustration on social media, demanding that officials ensure migrant workers are treated fairly, that employers are held accountable, and that mechanisms exist to safeguard workers’ documents and personal safety.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a statement regarding Kiplimo’s assault, adding urgency to public pressure for action.