Police reluctance, lack of credible witnesses hurt crash probes

When Philip Odhiambo Obala left his sister’s house in Gigiri for Kasarani one Sunday, he never returned. He could not be reached on his phone, and none of his friends had seen him.

Three days later, a police officer from Pangani Police Station called the sister and asked her if she knew Obala. “I told him that he was my step-brother and that I was living with him,” said Ms Okoth.

The officer then told her Obala had been involved in an accident and that his body was at the City Mortuary. He was knocked down by a vehicle and run over by more vehicles on Thika Road. As a result, the body was disfigured.

Though the accident was witnessed by other motorists and pedestrians, police said that no one had recorded a statement. As a result, the matter is still under investigation.

“Judging from the injuries he sustained, it was clear he was run over by several vehicles,” said Ms Okoth.

 Most hit-and-run accidents are not fully investigated due to police reluctance and lack of credible witnesses.

Such accidents, in which a driver intentionally leaves the scene without providing contact information, have increased, especially in Nairobi, according to traffic police boss Edward Mwamburi.

Sources told Nation the manner in which police and hospital staff treat Good Samaritans, discouraged people from reporting or helping accident victims.

“I took a victim to the Kenyatta National Hospital on April 7 and ended up being detained for eight hours. Though I was helping, I ended up being treated like a suspect. I was later released after they took my details,” said a Kibera resident who sought anonymity.   

Most drivers also fail to abide by the rules, by stopping to provide their insurance information and reporting the accident to police.

Police advise that if possible, victims should gather as much information as possible. This would increase chances of successfully tracking down the suspected motorists.

Details to be collected include the model, make of the car and the registration number.

Also look around for any possible witnesses to the accident, and ask for their names and contact information.

Before you leave the scene, write down the time and location of the accident, take pictures of the accident scene, take pictures of your car, especially if another car’s paint is visible on it.
Victims are also advised to call the police as soon as possible and file an accident report that includes the names of any witnesses and other important details.
Police, however, warn motorists against chasing those who drive off. “When a motorist is hit, he may feel compelled to chase in his car. We warn that this can result in reckless driving that may lead to another accident,” warned Mr Mwamburi.