A Nairobi woman has shared how an unexpected taxi request from activist Boniface Mwangi became a turning point in her life, bringing her business publicity and helping her support her family.
Millie Bundi recalled the encounter in a Facebook post, explaining that she was juggling several responsibilities when she received the request to drive a passenger to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
At the time, Millie had recently obtained a taxi driver's permit and was using ride-hailing services to supplement her income.
Her daily routine was demanding. She would wake up as early as 5am to pick up passengers, attend her regular office job and later go for evening classes at Daystar University.
She also operated small businesses selling second-hand clothes and cereals from her car boot.
The Unexpected Request That Changed Her Evening
On the evening in question, Millie was exhausted after a long day and only wanted to return home.
However, as she drove away from campus, she experienced what she described as a strong spiritual nudge to switch on her taxi app.
She initially resisted but eventually pulled over and activated Taxify, where she received a ride request almost immediately.
When the passenger called, Truecaller displayed the name Boniface Mwangi. However, Millie said she was too tired to appreciate who was requesting the ride.
She waited for more than 30 minutes before he called to assure her that he would compensate her for the delay.
Millie was also hesitant because the destination was the airport, traffic was heavy and her car boot was already filled with cereals and second-hand clothes.
When Mwangi arrived carrying several large bags, they had to rearrange the luggage, placing some in the boot and others on the back seat.
Boniface Mwangi Shares Her Story Online
During the journey, the two struck up a conversation about her demanding schedule, politics and the economy.
Millie recalled that Mwangi was surprised to learn that she had driven passengers, attended work and gone to university before accepting his request.
Upon reaching the airport, Mwangi reportedly asked security officers not to harass her, paid the parking fees and gave her three times the agreed fare.
He also requested a photograph with her before leaving.
Millie said she only realised the identity of her passenger after calling a friend following the trip.
Mwangi later shared their photograph and experience on social media, attracting attention to Millie's story.
Unexpected Benefits for Her Businesses
The post brought her unexpected publicity, with television, radio and newspaper outlets reaching out to feature her experience.
She said the attention also increased activity in her small businesses, giving her more opportunities to earn.
One of the most meaningful outcomes was that proceeds from her second-hand clothing business eventually helped pay her sister's college fees.
Looking back, Millie said the encounter reminded her that an opportunity can arise when least expected, even on a day when exhaustion makes someone want to give up and go home.
https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/540928-nairobi-woman-recalls-night-boniface-mwangis-taxi-request-jkia-changed-life/
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