A tragic hit-and-run incident in Nairobi has resulted in the death of a British national, identified as 79-year-old Edgar Charles Frederick. The accident occurred on Thursday when Mr. Frederick was struck by a vehicle associated with the motorcade of Kenyan President William Ruto.
Details of the Incident
According to local authorities, the incident took place on a major road shortly after President Ruto’s convoy had passed. The driver of the support vehicle, which was trailing the presidential motorcade, has been detained by police but has since been released on bail. As investigations continue, the driver is expected to appear in court.
Public Reaction and Background Information
Mr. Frederick was reportedly visiting Kenya to spend time with his sister and nephew, who reside in the country. The incident has sparked significant outrage on social media, with many questioning the size and speed of the presidential convoy as it moved through the city. Police spokesman Michael Muchiri confirmed that a post-mortem examination on the victim is anticipated to take place later today.
“This is not the first time a president’s or deputy president’s motorcade has killed or injured a pedestrian,” noted Muchiri, highlighting a troubling trend. “However, this case has drawn more attention likely due to the fact that the victim is a foreign national.”
Footage circulating on social media captured the heart-wrenching aftermath of the incident, showing Mr. Frederick lying on the ground in a busy shopping district, covered by a Maasai shawl. The UK High Commission has acknowledged the reports and is actively seeking further information regarding the incident.
While the Kenyan public is accustomed to the clearance of roads for presidential movements, this incident raises important questions about road safety and the protocols surrounding motorcades. President Ruto was reportedly engaged in public events in the vicinity of the incident at the time it occurred, underscoring the need for careful traffic management during such occasions.