Traffic police officer run over by matatu

A police officer died instantly after he was run over by a matatu while manning a road block near Embu Town, Sunday night.

Four passengers suffered gunshots after police opened fire on the matatu and were treated and discharged at the Embu level-5 hospital.

The deceased, Sergeant Benard Ndung’u Wanyoike, was in charge of other police officers manning a road block when the matatu driver defied orders to stop for inspection at around 10.30pm.

Embu police boss Elphas Korir said the driver of the vehicle belonging to Mt Kenya matatu sacco which was heading towards Embu town, had since gone into hiding and his identity known.

“We have been waiting for the owner but he has not yet showed up. We only found the portrait of the driver. We have sent an officer to the KRA offices to find out who is the owner of the matatu,” he said.

After Mr Wanyoike was ran over, police opened fire shooting Mr Alloys Mabea on the ankle of the right leg, Mr Peter Muriuki on the left leg and right shoulder, while Ms Mary Njeri and Ms Pamela Adika suffered abrasions on the legs.

Mr Korir said it appeared as if the officers were aiming at the tyres to stop the driver who was carrying passengers past government stipulated time on public service vehicles.

The OCPD cautioned drivers against flouting traffic rules.

“Any driver contravening road rules must be arrested and arraigned in a court of law,” Mr Korir cautioned.

Mr Wanyoike hailed from Mariaini village, Murang’a county.

His body was removed to the Embu level-5 hospital mortuary.