A chilling account from Josiah Mayieka has raised serious concerns about passenger safety on long-distance buses after he was allegedly drugged and robbed on a Mash Poa bus in November 2024. This incident follows similar claims by Adelle Omondi and Christine Wambua, spotlighting potential risks for travelers.
Josiah Mayieka’s Ordeal
Mayieka, intending to visit Mombasa for professional and personal reasons, found no available flights or SGR tickets for the weekend of November 16, 2024. Opting for a Mash Poa bus, he boarded at 10:15 PM from their River Road office in Nairobi. Seated comfortably with headphones on, he was joined by a talkative man claiming to be Tanzanian and unfamiliar with the route. Mayieka dozed off until the bus stopped at Mtito Andei.
Mayieka, intending to visit Mombasa for professional and personal reasons, found no available flights or SGR tickets for the weekend of November 16, 2024. Opting for a Mash Poa bus, he boarded at 10:15 PM from their River Road office in Nairobi. Seated comfortably with headphones on, he was joined by a talkative man claiming to be Tanzanian and unfamiliar with the route. Mayieka dozed off until the bus stopped at Mtito Andei.
During the break, the seatmate offered Mayieka takeaway coffee, which he declined. Resuming the journey, Mayieka returned to his phone and earphones—only to lose consciousness until Sunday afternoon, over 13 hours later. He was found at Makupa roundabout in Mombasa by a Good Samaritan who took him to Reef Hotel. His phones, laptop, wallet, and identity documents were gone, and he later discovered a Makupa police station OB number in his pocket.
Theft After the Incident
Shockingly, transactions were made from Mayieka’s M-Pesa account to an individual named Reuben Njeri as late as Monday evening, even after he replaced his SIM card. The perpetrator also accessed loans via Fuliza. Mayieka alleges that Mash Poa was uncooperative despite his visits to their Mombasa and Nairobi offices.
Shockingly, transactions were made from Mayieka’s M-Pesa account to an individual named Reuben Njeri as late as Monday evening, even after he replaced his SIM card. The perpetrator also accessed loans via Fuliza. Mayieka alleges that Mash Poa was uncooperative despite his visits to their Mombasa and Nairobi offices.
Similar Cases Spark Outrage
Mayieka’s experience echoes Adelle Omondi’s, who reported being drugged on a Mash Poa bus, losing KSh 56,000 and her undergarments. Christine Wambua also recounted a 2023 incident where a Mash Poa bus stopped in a dangerous area, leading to a robbery. Mayieka, referencing Adelle’s case, boldly stated, “Mash staff are drugging passengers and stealing from them,” challenging the company to sue him.
Mayieka’s experience echoes Adelle Omondi’s, who reported being drugged on a Mash Poa bus, losing KSh 56,000 and her undergarments. Christine Wambua also recounted a 2023 incident where a Mash Poa bus stopped in a dangerous area, leading to a robbery. Mayieka, referencing Adelle’s case, boldly stated, “Mash staff are drugging passengers and stealing from them,” challenging the company to sue him.
Kenyans Demand Action
The incidents have sparked outrage online:
The incidents have sparked outrage online:
- Êstrela Peter Boli: “What is happening with Mash Poa? This is my favourite bus… These incidents ruin the image of this company.”
- Waweruh Lizze: “It can’t be a repeated case all the time, and the drivers don’t know…what if it’s a mission they plan together?”
- Andrew Onsomu: “NTSA should come in quickly and do something special, cause the Ministry of Transport is sleeping.”
Mash Poa’s Response
In response to Adelle’s case, Mash Poa’s General Manager, Lennox Shallo, claimed the company took her for treatment after finding her groggy and reported the incident to Central Police Station. He denied her claim of requesting her seatmate’s details. The company has not publicly addressed Mayieka’s allegations.
In response to Adelle’s case, Mash Poa’s General Manager, Lennox Shallo, claimed the company took her for treatment after finding her groggy and reported the incident to Central Police Station. He denied her claim of requesting her seatmate’s details. The company has not publicly addressed Mayieka’s allegations.
A Call for Vigilance
Mayieka’s story is a stark reminder for travelers to stay cautious in public spaces. As investigations continue, Magari Poa urges passengers to report suspicious activity and calls for stricter oversight of long-distance bus operators to ensure safety.
Mayieka’s story is a stark reminder for travelers to stay cautious in public spaces. As investigations continue, Magari Poa urges passengers to report suspicious activity and calls for stricter oversight of long-distance bus operators to ensure safety.
Read more stories on passenger safety and travel tips at MagariPoa.com.
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