Edgar Charles Frederick, a 79-year-old British national, was reportedly killed after being struck by a vehicle from a presidential motorcade on a busy Nairobi road. The incident has raised questions about the speed and size of the convoy, as well as the implications of foreign casualties in such incidents.
British Tourist Dies in Hit-and-Run by Kenyan Presidential Motorcade
British Tourist Dies in Hit-and-Run by Kenyan Presidential Motorcade
A tragic hit-and-run incident involving a vehicle from President William Ruto's convoy has claimed the life of a British man in Nairobi, sparking outrage and discussions on road safety protocols.
In a shocking incident on Thursday, a 79-year-old British man named Edgar Charles Frederick was killed in Nairobi when he was hit by a vehicle associated with Kenyan President William Ruto's motorcade. The accident occurred on Ngong Road, one of the city's main thoroughfares, leading to an immediate outcry on social media, as Kenyans questioned the actions of the convoy's vehicles.
The police have apprehended the driver of the support vehicle involved in the incident, although he was later released on bail. Authorities indicated that the presidential convoy had already passed by the scene before the accident took place. Police spokesman Michael Muchiri confirmed that Mr. Frederick was in Kenya to visit family, and next-of-kin have been notified of his tragic death.
Despite the frequent occurrence of similar accidents involving high-profile motorcades in Kenya, the incident has garnered heightened attention given that the victim was not a local but a foreign national. Analysts point out that a larger emphasis on the case might stem from this aspect, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards foreign lives versus local fatalities.
Videos circulating on social media depict the aftermath of the incident, displaying Mr. Frederick lying injured on the road. Photos also show him wrapped in a traditional Maasai shawl, signifying both a cultural connection and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. As investigations continue, the police have promised to take the necessary legal actions against the driver, who did not stop after hitting Mr. Frederick.
Meanwhile, President Ruto was engaged in political activities nearby on the same day, a factor that adds complexity to the ongoing discourse around road safety for all citizens, be they local or international. The UK High Commission in Kenya is monitoring the situation and working to gather more details regarding the incident and its repercussions.
This unfortunate event will likely reignite conversations among the public about the need for more stringent traffic regulations, especially for government officials' motorcades, to ensure the safety of all pedestrians.
