Rachel Ruto has mourned the death of Patricia Wangui Gitonga, popularly known as Kui, who was killed in a road accident on Wednesday, November 26.
In a post on her Facebook page, Rachel expressed that she was heartbroken and deeply upset by the tragedy that claimed the life of the aviation crew member who was also an author of the book, Those That Came Before Us; Women Warriors.
“I am gutted to hear of the unfortunate death of Kui Gitonga, a young, vibrant and innocent rider who was knocked down this morning while riding. Kui was a formidable young spirit who gave of herself to coach young upcoming riders,” she mourned.
Rachel urged motorists to exercise great and extra caution on the road to avoid such accidents.
According to bike enthusiast Boniface Mwangi, Kui was knocked from behind by a speeding driver and later succumbed to her injuries.
Deputy President William Ruto’s wife has recently come out as a passionate member of the rider community which brings both cyclists and motorcycle riders.
On November, 20, she hosted riders at her home in Karen where she shared her birthday as Ruto toured Dubai.
As a cyclist, Rachel has seen and experienced the dangers and challenges faced on Kenyan roads where riders are regarded as a nuisance by the rest of the motorists.
“The only way to ensure safety for all on Kenyan roads is, therefore, legislation which will factor in all the elements of a just road system,” she stated.
In October, she mourned the death of Dr Alphonce Ogada, a consultant paediatric dentist who was involved in a grisly road accident while he was cycling.
Riders and cyclists have been protesting discrimination and harassment by motorists on Kenyan roads.
In a separate incident, that same month cyclists blocked Thika Superhighway during a protest following the death of Caleb Omwoyo who was killed after colliding with a bus.