Mid last week, Kenyans were left flabbergasted by the news of President Ruto’s motorcade knocking down an elderly man who sadly died on the spot.
And yet, the motorcade, despite having an ambulance in the lineup, never stopped.
Tribute for the old man, identified as Edgar Riches, depict an incredibly charitable and well-loved man.
Here are all the details on Edgar Riches.
Who is Edgar Riches?
Riches was a 79-year-old British citizen from Poole, Dorset. He had traveled to Kenya to visit his relatives, something he did every year. Back home, he was well known in his community. He was a long-standing member of the Poole Conservative Association and helped raise funds for a Catholic charity called CAFOD.
Many people who knew Riches have paid tribute to him. Ann Stribley, the president of the Poole Conservative Association, had known him for nearly 50 years.
She described him as kind, quiet, and always willing to help.
“There’s a total sense of shock and loss. He will be greatly missed,” she told BBC.
Riches also worshipped at St. Joseph and St. Walburga and Our Lady of Fatima Churches. A church representative said he was deeply connected to Kenya, not just because of his family but also because of his charity work. He had helped raise money for a school in the country.
Driver Arrested and Released
The accident happened in Nairobi when Riches was hit by a support vehicle at the back of President Ruto’s convoy. The police arrested the driver, but he was later released on bail.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media. Many people are questioning why the convoy was so big and moving so fast.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Riches died from multiple injuries.
He had severe head and chest injuries, along with bruising on his limbs. His family has been informed of his death.
Now, many Kenyans are demanding answers. Why didn’t the motorcade stop, even though it had an ambulance?
Why was an elderly man left behind after being hit? These are the questions people are asking as they mourn Edgar Riches.
By Vivian K.