Cattle trader hit and killed by vehicle carrying governor Ruto
A vehicle carrying Governor Isaac Ruto knocked down and killed a livestock trader at the Mtaro black spot along the Mai Mahiu–Narok Highway.
The Bomet governor was headed to Nairobi on Tuesday evening, but had to temporarily halt his journey after the incident. He was headed for a Council of Governors meeting scheduled for Wednesday morning
The vehicle, his official car, was later towed to Maai Mahiu police station as investigations were launched.
A senior officer at the police station told the Nation that Mr Ruto recorded a statement before proceeding with his journey.
On Wednesday, villagers from Maai Mahiu appealed to the government to erect speeds bumps at the black spot.
DANGEROUS STRETCH
One of Mr Ruto’s aides said that the trader, identified as Harrison Tapasiany, was crossing the road at around 6:45pm after alighting from a matatu when he was hit by the vehicle.
His friend, Mr John Koelel, said the livestock trader was returning from 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 road side,” said the villager.
He described Mtaro area as a dangerous stretch, with several people having been killed 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,” Mr Koelel added.
CONDOLENCE
He further appealed to the government to help the family of the deceased, saying he had left behind two widows and 12 children.
He said Mr Tapasiany was the sole bread winner in the large family and was returning home to prepare for the initiation rites of his four sons.
Another villager, Mr John Kusero said the area was prone to accidents with motorists speeding along the busy road.
Mr Ruto on his Twitter handle regretted the incident saying it was a painful experience.
“I deeply regret the death of one man near Mai Mahiu this evening in an accident involving my car. Let me take this early opportunity to send my condolence to his family,” the post read.
