Police officer charged over death of British national hit by vehicle in Ruto’s motorcade

A police officer has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a government vehicle in President William Ruto’s motorcade allegedly struck and killed a British national on Ngong Road, Nairobi.

Constable George Mwangi Maina is accused of driving at high speed when he hit and killed 79-year-old Edgar Charles Frederick Riches on March 13, 2025.

The prosecution said the vehicle struck a pedestrian, identified as 79-year-old British national Edgar Charles Frederick Riches, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

He denied the charges before the Milimani court and was released on a Sh150,000 cash bail.

Witnesses at the scene of the crash said the man, described as an elderly white man, was attempting to cross the road when the high-speed escort vehicle failed to stop, hitting him.

Eyewitness accounts painted a distressing picture of the aftermath.

"The vehicle was moving at an incredible speed, and it didn't even slow down after hitting him," said one bystander. "People rushed to help, but it was too late."

The victim's lifeless body lay on the road, covered in a Maasai leso, as an enraged crowd gathered around, demanding answers.

The incident quickly sparked public outrage, with residents expressing frustration over the reckless driving of official convoys, which have long been criticised for endangering ordinary road users.