British Pensioner Dies in Hit-and-Run Involving President’s Motorcade in Kenya
A British pensioner, Edgar Charles Frederick, was killed in a hit-and-run incident involving Kenyan President William Ruto’s motorcade. Witnesses reported the convoy did not stop, and police have arrested a driver from the presidential support team. Public outcry followed the incident, although it garnered limited media coverage. An investigation is ongoing.
A tragic incident occurred in Nairobi, Kenya, where a 79-year-old British man, Edgar Charles Frederick, was killed in a hit-and-run involving the motorcade of President William Ruto. On Thursday, Mr. Frederick was struck while crossing Ngong Road, thrown into the air by one vehicle of the convoy and subsequently run over by another. Eyewitnesses reported that the convoy did not halt, leaving Mr. Frederick to succumb to his injuries on the roadside.
Video footage allegedly documenting the scene depicts Mr. Frederick lying on the tarmac, gravely injured and covered with a blanket. In response to the incident, police have begun an investigation and have apprehended the driver of a support vehicle that was part of the presidential motorcade. This vehicle, which belongs to the regional administration, was providing assistance to the convoy at the time of the accident.
President Ruto’s motorcades are characterized by their swift travel through Nairobi, with police typically clearing the way in advance. Mr. Frederick was reportedly visiting family in Kenya and was hard of hearing, which may have contributed to his unawareness of the approaching convoy or the warnings from traffic officers. Following the incident, President Ruto continued his public engagements and made light-hearted remarks to crowds, despite the serious nature of the accident.
Public sentiment regarding the accident sparked outrage on social media, although it received limited coverage in local news outlets. Prominent Nairobi politician Robert Alai responded to the public outcry, stating, “People die every day. Let it go!” The driver involved in the incident was released on cash bail shortly after his arrest, and the government vehicle is currently at a police station for examination.
Police spokesman Michael Muchiri stated: “Investigations are underway, and the vehicle has been inspected. The driver of the government motor vehicle, attached to the Nairobi regional coordinator’s office, is out on cash bail awaiting arraignment in court.” A representative from the British Foreign Office confirmed that support is being provided to Mr. Frederick’s family and that they are in contact with Kenyan authorities regarding the unfortunate incident.
In summary, the tragic death of Edgar Charles Frederick in Nairobi highlights significant concerns regarding the safety of pedestrians in the face of governmental motorcades. The Kenyan authorities are actively investigating the incident, and the driver’s early release on bail has raised questions about accountability. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater traffic safety measures, particularly regarding the operation of official motorcades, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
