Image: FILE
An 80-year-old man tragically lost his life after being struck by a police vehicle in a recent incident in Madogo, Tana River County
The police car, which was transporting suspects to the Garissa Law Courts, was involved in the accident on the morning of July 18, 2024.
According to Ephrain Karimi, the Bangale subcounty police commander, the elderly man was crossing the street when the police vehicle hit him.
The man, who was partially blind and deaf, was immediately taken to Garissa County Referral Hospital for treatment.
Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries a few hours later. After a postmortem was conducted, he was buried in the evening according to Islamic rites.
The incident has sparked a significant reaction from the local community. Eyewitnesses, including a resident named Hussein Dalo, claim that the police vehicle was speeding at the time of the accident.
Dalo reported that the vehicle was traveling rapidly through Madogo town, where traffic is typically heavy due to the nearby bus stage and open-air market.
He noted that the driver of the police vehicle is known for speeding in the area, which has raised concerns about safety among residents.
The police department is currently investigating the accident. The driver of the vehicle, who is a police officer, has been released on a free bond while the investigation continues.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is expected to inspect the vehicle as part of the investigation.
The local police have assured that they are committed to following due process and taking appropriate actions based on the findings.
The Bangale police commander expressed his condolences, stating, “It is unfortunate that our vehicle hit an 80-year-old man who later died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
We have initiated an investigation into the incident.” He also mentioned that health conditions of the victim are being considered as a possible factor in the accident, although the investigation is ongoing.
The incident has raised broader concerns about road safety in the area, particularly regarding the conduct of police vehicles.
The local community has voiced their frustration, calling for stricter enforcement of speed limits and more responsible driving by security personnel.
They argue that frequent speeding by police and other vehicles in busy areas increases the risk of accidents and endangers pedestrians.
Human rights activists and local leaders are also calling for the removal of roadblocks that they believe contribute to harassment and corruption.
They argue that the presence of these roadblocks, manned by officers who may demand bribes, exacerbates tensions between the public and the police. The activists are advocating for reforms to ensure that law enforcement practices are fair and transparent.
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