NAIROBI, KENYA — A 79-year-old British citizen, identified as Edgar Charles Frederick, tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle within President William Ruto’s motorcade at Adams Arcade on Ngong Road, Nairobi.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the vehicle involved in the fatal incident belongs to the Regional Commissioner’s office in Nairobi.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri stated that the vehicle has been identified and is currently being held as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The driver of government motor vehicle attached to Nairobi Regional Coordinator’s office is out on cash bail awaiting to be arraigned in court,” he said.
The fatal collision occurred as a vehicle from the presidential motorcade, moving at high speed, struck Mr. Frederick while he was crossing at a designated pedestrian crossing. The victim was reportedly unaware of the approaching convoy.
The incident took place on Thursday, March 13, as President Ruto’s motorcade proceeded towards Kibera during the fourth day of his Nairobi tour.
Videos posted on social media show a man in blue jeans and a light-coloured shirt lying bleeding on the road outside a busy shopping area.
Other pictures show the victim covered in a checked shawl, known locally as a Maasai Shuka.
Authorities have notified the British High Commission in Nairobi of the tragic event.
Eyewitnesses and police reports indicate that the vehicle involved did not immediately stop. Law enforcement officials have suggested that a full stop may have been deemed a security risk, given the proximity of the president’s vehicle.
The incident drew a large crowd to the scene, and police subsequently removed the body to a mortuary for autopsy and identification. Investigations into the accident are ongoing. The collision caused significant traffic congestion in the vicinity.
Presidential motorcades typically maintain high speeds for security purposes.
