NAIROBI — A police officer driving in President William Ruto’s motorcade has been charged in connection with the death of a 79-year-old British man during a traffic incident on Ngong Road in March.
Police Constable George Mwangi Maina appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Wednesday, facing a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard that the accident occurred on 13 March at around 12:30pm, near Adams Arcade in Nairobi.
Maina was reportedly behind the wheel of a Toyota Prado with dual registration plates—GKB 790J and KCY 351H—when the vehicle struck Edgar Charles Frederick Riches, who was walking along the road. Riches died at the scene.
The charge sheet stated that Maina drove “in a manner dangerous to the public,” a claim that now sees him facing legal consequences in a case likely to stir public debate around accountability in state convoys.
The courtroom was quiet as the charge was read. Maina, dressed in civilian clothes, stood still and did not respond when asked if he wished to make a statement.
The prosecution did not object to his release, and Chief Magistrate Susan Shitubi granted him cash bail of Ksh150,000. No plea deal was mentioned. The case is set to be mentioned again later this month.
The British High Commission in Nairobi has not issued a formal statement but confirmed that it is offering support to the family of Mr Riches.
Legal analysts have pointed out that cases involving official motorcades rarely lead to formal charges. “This sets a significant precedent,” said Nairobi-based advocate Mark Nderitu. “We don’t often see uniformed officers brought to court over incidents like this, especially when a government vehicle is involved.”
Others have called for a wider review of how state convoys navigate public roads. “Too many accidents happen with these high-speed motorcades,” said Wanjiru Mbugua, a road safety advocate. “There needs to be greater care for the lives of everyday Kenyans—and visitors—on our roads.”
Police have remained largely tight-lipped, saying only that the matter is before the court and investigations are ongoing.
Back on Ngong Road, traffic moves on as usual. But for the family of Edgar Riches, the journey toward justice has just begun.
