The National Police Service has issued a statement about the fatal road accident involving a speeding motorcade attached to President William Ruto that occurred along Ngong Road on Thursday, March 13.
The police noted that they had begun investigations into the accident involving government vehicles, which resulted in the death of a pedestrian who was a foreign national.
"Following the road traffic accident that occurred today at Adams Arcade along Ngong Road, involving government vehicles and resulting in the death of a pedestrian who is a foreign national, the National Police Service is handling the matter, and investigations have commenced," the NPS stated.
Reports suggest that the male victim was knocked down while attempting to cross the busy road as President Ruto’s motorcade was moving from Lang’ata to Kibra for the commissioning of a project.
The tragedy quickly drew the attention of other road users, who rushed to the scene to assist the man, only to discover that he had already succumbed to his injuries.
Videos and images shared on social media showed residents gathering at the scene in an attempt to identify the victim, who was later covered with a cloth.
Residents who spoke to the press revealed that, despite knocking down the Caucasian man, President Ruto’s motorcade did not stop, raising concerns 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 transported the body away. According to reports, the body was taken to Nairobi City Mortuary, where it awaits an autopsy.
The incident triggered widespread criticism over the planning of Ruto’s trip in Nairobi, with many highlighting the inefficiencies of the President’s logistics team over the past few days he has been in the capital.
This was further compounded by other incidents in which Kenyans were attacked by goons, with motorists, passengers, and pedestrians sustaining injuries. Further incidents of vandalism and looting have only added insult to injury.
Meanwhile, the Director of Corporate Communication at NPS, Muchiri Nyaga, urged members of the public with information to inform the police for investigations.
Nyaga further called upon motorists, pedestrians, and all other road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent future accidents.
