Police officers on Thursday, October 13, reprimanded the actions of a law enforcement patrol vehicle which engaged in a high-speed chase with a private saloon car.
In a statement issued by the National Police Service, the cop deviated from his mandate of promoting sanity and responsibility whilst on public roads.
In the video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, a traffic vehicle trailed the personal vehicle, forcing the saloon car to drive on the side of the road. The private vehicle attempted to evade the police car by swerving to the right of the road.
The patrol car was, however, hot on its trail and forcing the saloon car to drive on the right side of the vehicle, exposing the vehicle to oncoming traffic.
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"The attention of NPS is drawn to a clip in which a law enforcement patrol vehicle performing traffic duties is seen in a hot pursuit chase of a private saloon car."
"We acknowledge that the essence of road safety is to promote sanity and responsibility whilst on public roads, and this is a basic expectation placed on all motorists and road users, police included."
"As we continue to review the incident for corrective action, we condemn the irresponsible behaviour. Motorists are cautioned to at all times adhere to the rule of law to ensure their safety while on the road, "read part of the NPS statement.
Rift Between NTSA and Police
A directive by retired president Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018, saw NTSA hand over the safety authority's mandate to traffic police officers. This led to the withdrawal of NTSA officers on the road as traffic cops seized control.
Roads Safety Association of Kenya, however, moved to Court seeking orders to revoke the mandate. According to the lobby group, fatalities due to road accidents were on the rise since NTSA's exit.
“That prior to the third respondent’s removal from the road by the President, loss of lives on the roads were on the decline, but they have now increased,” RSA chairman David Kiarie stated.
The directive was however upheld by High Court Anthony Mrima.
