Curious case of man killed during Uhuru’s Mumias tour
A boda boda rider injured in an accident involving a vehicle belonging to General Service Unit recce unit in Kakamega was discharged from hospital on Tuesday.
The GSU officers in the vehicle were part of President Uhuru Kenyatta security team during his tour of Mumias Sugar Company last Wednesday.
The 25 year old rider, Salim Hassan Were, had stopped along the Kakamega-Mumias road to pick his 70 year old grandfather who was on his way to the mosque for prayers when the speeding vehicle ploughed into them.
His grandfather, Ali Hassan Were, was rushed to the County Referral hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The vehicle, a white Toyota Land cruiser, was headed to Kakamega from Mumias when it ploughed into the motorcycle near Jamindas hotel, 7 kilometres from Kakamega town.
Salim was admitted at the hospital with serious head injuries.
The County Police Chief Mr Menegene Warui, however, said the vehicle was not been part of President’s convoy at the time of the accident.
“By the time the accident happened, the Presidents’ convoy had already arrived in Mumias town,” explained Mr Warui.
The GSU vehicle is reported to have been speeding towards Kakamega when it veered off the road after the driver lost control and hit the two people.
Mr Hassan Were Mohammed said his son is still in pain and is receiving treatment from home.
“I have spent so much money to buy medicine for my son after the accident. We are shocked there has been no support from the government after what happened,” said Mr Mohammed.
He said the family had paid a bill amounting to Sh7,800 at the hospital.
He said his son has already recorded a statement with traffic officers on what happened and gone back home to continue nursing his injuries.
Sheikh Abdalla Ateka, chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya branch, said the government needs to support the family following the tragic incident.
“What has happened is unfortunate and any support from the government will come as a big relief to the family and help them quickly overcome the unfortunate circumstances that led to the death of their loved one,” said Sheikh Ateka.