Passengers traveling in a Metro Trans matatu along Thika Road witnessed a drama after an altercation between a conductor and a passenger who had allegedly forged an M-PESA message.
In a video that went viral on social media, the conductor of a Metro Trans bus was captured demanding for an M-PESA transaction message from one traveler in the bus. However, the man was adamant and maintained that he had paid the matatu fare while showing out his message.
“Show me the transaction. You are editing the message under my nose. If you claim that you’ve sent the money, then show me the message so that I let you go,” the conductor exchanged words with the man.
The conductor further explained that he could not see the M-PESA message on his side because passengers were sending money through an office line.
M-PESA Transaction Messages
He further demanded proof by viewing the messages as he collected the morning bus fare.
“I can’t see the message it’s an office business line,” he revealed.
He further requested the individual’s second name to help him confirm the transaction.
However, the man persistently refused to give out his other name.
Also Read: How to Register M-PESA Pay Bill Number
“My name is Brian you can ask. I am not giving you my second name,” he said as the passengers followed the heated moment in shock.
This heated argument eventually degenerated into a physical fight between the man and the conductor.
In the viral video, the conductor could be seen pushing the suspect outside in support of other passengers who kept shouting at him to pay for his fare or come out.
The video has ignited a series of reactions with most Kenyans condemning the act.
Kenyans Reactions
“Life is hard but let’s respect other people’s jobs” commented Mirage Kitcheware, known by his x username.
Another X user noted that the other passengers were wrong to push the man outside the vehicle that was in motion.
“That boy was wrong, but Kenyans can be very insensitive,” said Gat.
“People were just pushing him instead of telling the driver to stop the bus so the gentleman could come out himself. No need to push his life at risk.”
Also Read: Safaricom Explains Why Customers Are Not Receiving M-Pesa Messages
About The SMS Forgery App
Forging M-PESA messages is a trick that is currently being used by miscreants to avoid making transactions in various business setups.
According to complaints by several business owners in the past, individuals use an App that allows editing old transaction messages on a mobile phone.
The app also enables editing of the time stamp of the confirmation message and the amount transacted.
However, the forged messages do not reflect on the receiver’s phone, explaining how most individuals using the trick are caught.
Suspects tend to take advantage of crowded areas where people might be in a hurry to confirm the messages on their phones.
