passenger be ware
were there. I had to be carried
out since I could not move. I was
dehydrated and still dizzy from
the blow.
I had not seen myself, but I
was sure I looked horrible. I was
rushed to hospital for medical
attention. It was only after a few
hours of treatment that I could
utter the first word.
I was missing for over 24
hours, which prompted the
school to call my parents, who
then had to travel to Bungoma in
my search. I fell victim of a silent
robbery, which could have led to
a fatality. This is what happens
in this well strategized operation.
The con artist does not work
alone in most cases. Usuall y,
there happens to be an observer
in the bus to check for anything
that would compromise a smooth
operation. The other person,
in this case, a hawker is on the
ground. Knowing where the bus
makes its regular stop overs, the
hawker, strategically placed,is
aware of the sitting position of
the target.
The con artist will then make
an obvious routine purchase,
making sure you witness it. Also
making sure you witness the
opening and consumption of
the product. They have a way
of telling between the drugged
pieces and clean ones. They will
then offer you the next piece,
which is drugged, and you
confidently pick it assuming it is
a kind gesture. Before you know
it, you have passed out from the
effects of the drugs. They then
rob you clean and leave you in
a life threatening state. Some
fatal cases have been reported.
The victim will portray behavior
Safety and Travel
which can be easily mistaken for
a drunken person, therefore not
getting the right attention.
To avoid this, do not engage
closel y and freel y with other
passengers. This may include
accepting food and other
offers like free city tours to
new residents. Always seek
help from relevant authorities.
Carry your packed meal or
make purchases from reputable
areas like supermarkets and
hotels. It would be easier to
trace back to them in case of
any complications resulting from
their goods. Avoid buying food
stuffs from random hawkers.
Always let someone know of
the means you will be taking for
ease of follow-up in case of any
incidences.
This story is based on true events. All characters and events, even those based on real people
are entirely fictional. No character bears any resemblance to any person living or dead. Any
similarity is purely coincidental.
Government to roll out Smart Driving
License, electronic chip sticker in October
By Samwel Doe Ouma
@samweldoe
N
ational Transport and Safety Authority
(NTSA) announced a national roll out of
smart driving licenses (Smart DL) and
third identification stickers to improve road
safety and compliance with traffic rules. The
two services will take effect from October this
year.
The electronic sticker will help in identifying
and authenticating vehicle owners while
the new driving licenses will be fitted with
electronic chips that will contain key details of
a driver.
According to Ms Jacqueline Githinji, NTSA
Director of Registration and Licensing, the
identification stickers will not only serve as the
official NTSA motor vehicle inspection stickers
but also aid in monitoring traffic offences,
interchanged number plates as well as reduce
crimes conducted using motor vehicles. The
smart driving license is going to allow creation
of every driver’s profile.
September 2017
Ms Jacqueline Githinji, NTSA Director Registration & Licensing
11