A British national has died after being struck by a vehicle in the motorcade of Kenya‘s President William Ruto.
The tragic incident occurred on Ngong Road in Nairobi as the presidential convoy sped through the busy area.
According to local reports, the man was attempting to cross the road when he was hit. Shocking video footage captured the moment bystanders screamed as the motorcade continued without stopping.
Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) has launched an investigation into the incident. In a statement, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the accident involved a government vehicle and resulted in the death of a foreign national.
Authorities stated that the driver of the vehicle, who is attached to the Nairobi Regional Coordinator’s office, has been released on cash bail while awaiting a court appearance.
The British Foreign Office said it is supporting the victim’s family and is in contact with local authorities.
President Ruto was travelling through Nairobi as part of a tour of the capital when the incident occurred.
Ruto, who has been president since September 2022, has faced several controversies during his time in office. Last year, he was forced to withdraw a finance bill that aimed to raise taxes following deadly protests that resulted in the deaths of over 20 people.
Ruto was also previously investigated by the International Criminal Court for his alleged role in the violence that erupted after Kenya’s 2007 elections, which left hundreds dead. The case was dropped in 2016 due to insufficient evidence, though he was not formally acquitted.
The investigation into the British man’s death is ongoing, with authorities urging both motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution on the roads to prevent further tragedies
