UPDATE: The driver of a vehicle in President William Ruto’s motorcade who hit and killed a British pedestrian has been arrested.
The pedestrian identified as Edgar Charles Frederick, a British national aged 79, was hit at Adams Arcade, near Green House mall, along Ngong road when one of the speeding vehicles in Ruto’s convoy ran over him, killing him on the spot.
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However, according to reports, the driver, who failed to stop after the accident, whose identity has not been revealed, was shortly released on cash bail and would appear in court following an investigation.
The 79-year-old was knocked down while attempting to cross the busy road, seemingly unaware of the approaching vehicles.
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National Police Responds After Ruto Motorcade Kills Pedestrian
National Police Service (NPS) in a statement on Thursday, March 13, acknowledged that the pedestrian was hit by a government vehicle and stated that it is handling the matter and investigations have commenced.
“Following a road traffic accident that occurred today at Adams Arcade along Ngong Road involving a government vehicle, which resulted in the death of a pedestrian who is a foreign national, the National Police Service (NPS) is now handling the matter, and investigations have commenced,” Read the statement in part.
“We encourage anyone with information that may assist with the investigation to report to the nearest police station or through our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112, and #FichuakwaDCI 0800 722 203.”
Also Read: DCI Arrests Youth Who Robbed Thika Road Motorists After Ruto Rally
NPS urged motorists, pedestrians, and all other road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent accidents.
Videos and images shared on social media and seen by The Kenya Times showed onlookers gathering at the scene to identify the man, who was later covered with a Maasai sheet.
Residents who spoke to the Media revealed that despite knocking down the man, the motorcade did not stop, raising questions about security protocols and pedestrian safety during the Head of State’s tour.
Moments later, a police vehicle arrived at the scene, cordoned off the area, and took away the body.
The incident caused a traffic snarl-up in the area.
The body of the deceased has been moved to the City Mortuary, awaiting an autopsy.
Also Read: Ruto’s Cheering Squad Steals from Motorists Along Thika Road
Ruto’s Cheering Squad Steals from Motorists
This incident comes after a section of youths who had gathered to listen to President William Ruto during his visit to Ruaraka and Mathare on March 12 turned the event into an opportunity for crime, attacking motorists and passengers along Thika Road.
According to multiple eyewitnesses and videos shared online, groups of young men loitered around the venue during Ruto’s speech.
When the President ended the tour, they began targeting unsuspecting road users.
Further, motorists stuck in traffic while heading home suffered the biggest blow, with many of them falling victim to the rowdy youth.
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