University Fetes Thika Matatu Driver Who Returned Lost Laptop and Sh20,000

The International Leadership University has feted a matatu driver who returned Sh20,000 and a laptop left in his vehicle by a passenger.

Vice-Chancellor Tim Kiruhi said the university decided to fete 45-year-old Basilio Kimani for his integrity, which is what they teach and stand for at the institution.

“Our slogan is ‘Leadership with Integrity’. That is part of our vision and mission. We are proud of Kimani. He has proved that there are honest people among us,” Kiruhi said.

The university gifted the driver a trophy in addition to launching the Basilio Kimani Integrity Scholarship Endowment in his honor.

“We appeal to members of the public to help raise the money for scholarships targeting needy students. Our first beneficiaries will be Kimani’s child, who will benefit until he is enrolled at any local university. We will also target other Kenyans, who portray honesty in their line of work,” said Kiruhi, who committed Sh250,000 towards the fund.

Kimani, who works with Kandara Sacco Transporters, said that he noticed that a passenger had forgotten his luggage at the front seat after alighting in Thika.

He kept the items safe at the Sacco’s head offices and asked the officials to call him in case anyone claims the lost items

“I had carried a passenger who boarded the vehicle near Blue Post Hotel in Thika and sat with me at the front but when he alighted in Thika town, he forgot a bag which had a laptop, an envelope and a bag with food items,” he said.

Kimani said that he kept the money by himself and knew the owner of the laptop would have to ask for the cash.

“I believe in honesty. In fact, that day when I collected the money, my matatu had broken down, and I only had Sh200 with me. I engaged my wife, we agreed not to touch the money,” he said.

The items belonged to Mt. Kenya University student Ian Gitau, who had boarded Kimani’s matatu on September 5th.

Upon arrival in Thika, Ian quickly alighted from the vehicle but he forgot to carry his backpack containing a laptop and Sh20,000 meant for his school fees.