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Mechanic arrested for driving government vehicle without authorization


Police in Eldoret have arrested a mechanic for illegally driving a Kenya Forest Service’s vehicle in a suspected case of car theft.

The mechanic is also said to have caused an accident after knocking down a pedestrian and seriously injuring him on the head.

Ishmael Ogero had been instructed by Kingsway Auto Company to install car tracker on the vehicle but instead he ordered out the driver before driving out of the premises. He later knocked down a middle-aged man along police line post.

“He was driving at a high speed when he knocked down the man who was crossing the road. Members of the public caught him as he tried to speed off and asked him to take the victim to the hospital,” said Mathew Wafula, an eyewitness.

CAR THEFT

The unidentified victim was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for treatment while the suspect was arrested and taken to Eldoret Central Police Station.

Mr Paul Karanja of the KFS Eco-System conservative in Uasin Gishu County, said that the he has doubts of the mechanic who the company assigned the job of updating the car trackers of Kenya Forest Service vehicles.

“We suspect this was an attempted car theft because, the culprit speed off with the vehicle from the premises. We are interested in knowing his intentions and he should also compensate the damage,” Mr Karanja said.

IN CUSTODY

According to the employer, the suspect who is in his mid-twenties, has been working for them for two years and it’s the employee’s responsibility to install car trackers and updates the existing system and not to drive vehicles.

“He knows the policy of the company regarding driving clients’ vehicles, and so this was a mistake he made. I have worked with him for two years and this is the first incident that has happened. Unfortunately it turned tragic, since he knocked a pedestrian and right now he is in custody,” said Mr Hudson Agala, the manager of Kingsway Auto.

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Mr Nelson Taliti confirmed the incident and said investigations have been launched and the suspect will be arraigned in court.

“The company will have to cater for the hospital bill of the victim and also for the damage of the vehicle. Employers are urged to understand and know the behaviors of their employees during work period to avoid such incidents,” said Mr Taliti.