A Kiambu philanthropist stepped in to reward two boda boda riders who chose compassion over curiosity when they encountered a distressed woman walking without clothes near Kenyatta University gate in Ruiru.
Derrick Mbugua received a call from the riders, who had been stationed outside the KU gate and alerted him to the woman’s condition.
When he arrived, he found the woman, later identified as Betty Yego Kipchirchir, visibly confused and disconnected from her surroundings. Working alongside the boda boda riders, Mbugua helped get Betty clothed while shielding her from onlookers who were busy recording videos instead of helping.
Boda Boda Riders Who Chose Dignity Over Clicks
What set the two riders apart was their refusal to join those who were photographing Betty in her vulnerable state. One of them reportedly ran out of fuel in the course of helping Mbugua and Betty.
Moved by their selflessness, Mbugua took one of the riders to a Shell petrol station and filled his tank as a token of appreciation.
“Because of your good deed, let him put full tank fuel so that the next time you see another woman in distress you are driven to continue helping wholeheartedly. Before taking photos and videos people should always first think of the one in trouble and help. You covered the lady and ensured her dignity was intact,” Mbugua told the rider.
The rider expressed his gratitude, saying, “This fuel will serve me for a whole week. Thank you so much.”
After helping clothe Betty, Mbugua took her to Ruiru Hospital for a check-up with the assistance of the riders. He subsequently launched a search for her family, posting about the situation online and urging anyone who recognised her to come forward.
The search bore fruit. Betty’s sister, travelling from Nyandarua, was expected to arrive the following evening. Plans were put in place to take Betty to Mathare National Referral Hospital for mental health support. Mbugua noted that Betty is from the Sabaot community and had been going through personal challenges that had affected her mental wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Kenyans who followed the story online chipped in, contributing KSh 7,000 for the rider and another KSh 5000 fr the one who assisted.
