Bolt Suspends Driver Following Sexual Assault Claim

Mobility company Bolt has suspended one of its drivers following a sexual assault case. 

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 13, the ride-hailing platform expressed its deepest empathy for the affected individual and reiterated its strict zero-tolerance policy against any form of harassment, assault, or violence.

The company confirmed it was aware of a social media post detailing a sexual assault that occurred on our platform on 9th August 2025, and has taken immediate action by suspending the driver involved.

"We have suspended the driver pending ongoing investigations and are actively engaging with the passenger involved and the local authorities to resolve this matter urgently," the statement read.

The incident comes after a client publicly accused the driver of sexual assault, highlighting ongoing safety concerns within the ride-hailing industry.

This case adds to a troubling pattern of similar allegations against ride-hailing drivers over recent years.

Several women have previously come forward with assault claims against drivers, who often allegedly suggest going offline during trips to avoid detection through the app's tracking systems.

The company has been working to address these safety concerns through various initiatives.

In 2024, Bolt announced a comprehensive safety investment, with General Manager Kenya Linda Ndungu revealing plans to commit 14 billion shillings over three years to support safety awareness programs.

The safety campaign focuses on raising awareness of existing safety features while scaling preventative measures designed to stop incidents before they occur. 

"We'll continue to raise awareness of our safety tools through educational campaigns to highlight in-app features that can help prevent cases," Ndungu had stated during the safety initiative launch.

In 2021, Bolt introduced the "Bolt Women" option, allowing passengers to request female drivers. This feature was designed to enhance safety and help passengers feel more secure during their journeys, particularly women.

Bolt has assured that the investigation into the current allegations will continue, with local authorities now involved.

“The safety of everyone on our platform remains our highest priority, and we are committed to continuously improving our safety measures to ensure a secure and reliable experience for all,” the statement added.