Man dies in accident involving Governor Ruto’s vehicle

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto’s official vehicle that was involved in an accident in Mtaro on the Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highway on October 18, 2016. One person was killed. PHOTO | MACHARIA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The cattle trader was attempting to cross the busy road at around 6.45pm when he was hit and killed.
  • Following the accident, villagers appealed to the government to erect speeds bumps at the Mtaro black spot.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto’s vehicle on Monday night knocked down a cattle trader, killing him instantly at the Mtaro black spot on the Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highway.

The victim, identified as Harrison Tapasiany, was attempting to cross the busy road at around 6.45pm when he was hit and killed by the Range Rover carrying Mr Ruto.

The Bomet governor was heading to Nairobi but was forced to temporary halt his journey after the crash.

The vehicle was towed to the Maai Mahiu police station as police began investigating the incident.

A senior officer at the police station told the Nation that Mr Ruto was expected to record a statement on Friday in connection with the crash.

Mr Tapasiany's friend, John Koelel, said the trader was returning from the Ntulele market and had just alighted from a matatu when he was knocked down.

“I rushed to the scene only to find his lifeless body lying by the roadside,” said the mourning villager.

He said the Mtaro stretch of the highway is dangerous, with several people having been killed there while trying to cross the road.

“Animals have also been knocked down. It is a busy place and also the only watering point for our animals,” he said.

Mr Koelel also appealed to the government to assist Mr Tapasiany's family, saying he had left behind two widows and 12 children.

He said Mr Tapasiany was the sole breadwinner in the large family and was returning home to prepare for the initiation rites of his four sons.

“It is a tragedy for the young families as most of his children are still in primary school,” added Mr Koelel.

Another villager, John Kusero, said the area was prone to accidents with motorists routinely speeding on the busy road.

Following the accident, villagers appealed to the government to erect speed bumps at the Mtaro black spot.