George Ndungu, a taxi driver, returned Ksh 100,000 and a Phone valued at Ksh 150,000 to a client who had forgotten them in his car. The client, an Indian national known as Miss Shah, rewarded him with Ksh 500 for his honesty.
The move has sparked mixed reactions as some social media users supported it, saying it was the best way to handle it, while others complained that the reward offered was little.
Manyara M Eric questioned, “Why would I feel obligated to be rewarded when I do the decent thing? Why assume he needs money? Why assume a taxi driver 100k is a lot of money too. Read the “millionaire next door” and realize the “simple” guy you assume to be poor can employ your village.”
Cornelly Makitui said, “Bravo! Being honest doesn’t mean you have to get many rewards. The greatest reward comes in heaven.”
Aaron added that the taxi driver should have been compensated for his journey. The rest was just a token of goodwill from the client. “Bravo, Ndungu, for your honesty.”
Dave Wanyama: “It’s only because it’s not the old-fashioned taxi anymore. The client and the app have all your details, so it’s only wise to return whatever valuables have been forgotten by your clients.”
Peter Kamau Maina narrated that a cashier at Citibank paid him $6700 in excess, but he returned the money, adding that he would have used the money to buy a plot but chose to replace it. He further explained that the satisfaction that he got by returning the money was precious to him. She said, “God bless you”, and that’s it.
Bamwitirebye Alex: “Good! If the whole population were like such a contented person, then corruption, theft, and other crimes would be averted, and there would be no need to construct more prisons to lodge the lawbreakers. I think you are a God-honoring man.”
Sonia Birdi: “Only 500!!!! Seriously!!”
Charles Koech: “Honesty is a virtue that can’t be rewarded monetary. The inward feeling that one gets knowing someone is happy is enough reward.”
Mlesterh: “Being rewarded for being honest is completely off the rails. We must stop expecting to be rewarded for doing what human beings are supposed to do. A thank you word is enough. The 500/- was both an insult but also a lowering of dignity by the driver. Don’t auction your values.”
