Nairobi – A 79-year-old British national, identified as Edgar Riches, has tragically died in a hit-and-run incident involving a vehicle that was part of Kenyan President William Ruto's motorcade. The incident occurred on Thursday on a main road in the capital, Nairobi, sparking outrage and raising questions about the size and speed of presidential convoys in the country.
Riches, a charity worker from Poole in Dorset, was visiting Kenya to see his sister and nephew, who reside in the country, according to police spokesman Michael Muchiri. Kenya's police initially identified him using his middle names, Edgar Charles Frederick. A post-mortem examination revealed that he suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including severe damage to his chest and head.
Police have detained a driver in connection with the incident, who has since been released on bail. They allege that the driver was operating a support vehicle travelling at the rear of President Ruto's official convoy.
Muchiri told the BBC that the vehicle belonged to the regional administration and was providing support to the presidential detail. According to police reports, President Ruto's main convoy had already passed the location when the accident occurred.
The police have stated that the driver failed to stop after the incident and will appear in court following a thorough investigation.
The incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media. While Kenyans are accustomed to roads being cleared for the presidential motorcade, many are now questioning the necessity of such large convoys and the high speeds at which they travel.
Videos circulating on social media depict a man in blue jeans and a light-coloured shirt lying bleeding on the road outside a bustling shopping area. Other images show the victim covered in a checked shawl, known locally as a Maasai Shuka.
Riches was known for his regular fundraising efforts for projects in Kenya, adding a layer of sorrow to the tragedy.
The UK High Commission has confirmed that officials are aware of the reports and are seeking further information regarding the incident. A spokesperson stated that they are closely monitoring the situation.
President Ruto was reportedly holding events in the vicinity of the accident on Thursday as part of ongoing political engagements with the public in the capital.
This incident is not the first time a president's or deputy president's motorcade has been involved in accidents resulting in death or injury to pedestrians. Tragically, members of the president's travelling party have also lost their lives in previous incidents.
However, some observers believe that this latest case is receiving increased attention due to the fact that the victim is a foreigner.
