A British man has been killed in an alleged hit-and-run involving a vehicle in Kenyan President William Ruto’s motorcade. A driver has been detained by police and since released on bail. Detectives said the man was driving a support vehicle which was part of an official convoy of cars for President Ruto. The man has been named at Edgar Charles Frederick, 79.
He died on Thursday (March 13) after being hit by the vehicle on a main road in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. Michael Muchiri, a police spokesman, told the BBC Mr Frederick had been visiting his sister and nephew in Kenya where they are residents.
Mr Frederick’s family has been informed of their loved one’s death and a post-mortem is expected to be carried out today (March 14), according to the broadcaster.
Kenyan police said the man, who failed to stop after what happened, will appear in court after an investigation.
Local media report that footage shared online appears to show a man lying in the road before later being covered with a Maasai shawl.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with Kenyans demanding to know why the motorcade was so big and travelling at high speed.
The Briton’s death isn’t the first time a pedestrian has been killed in an incident involving either the president or vice-president’s motorcade.
Some Kenyans have claimed greater attention is being paid to Mr Frederick’s case because he is a foreigner.
The Express has contacted the Kenyan High Commission in London and Kenya’s National Police Service.
A spokesperson for the UK High Commission said officials are seeking more details, but are aware of what happened.
Mr Muchiri said the vehicle was from the regional administration and was part of the motorcade to provide support.