Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s vehicle kills 'only breadwinner' after swerving

Mercy Chelimo

Eldoret, Kenya: A woman was hit and killed by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s car on Saturday morning along the Eldoret-Nakuru highway.

Mercy Chelimo 31, was knocked down by the senator’s Toyota Amazon car heading to Eldoret when it swerved from the road at Nabkoi Junction.

According to the deceased’s mother, Emily Kurgat, Chelimo was the family’s breadwinner. When The Standard visited her in Cheptiret village in Uasin Gishu County yesterday, the single mother of nine said she received the sad news about her daughter’s demise at 6pm, several hours after the accident occurred at 8am.

“My daughter was working at a hotel in Kaptingia centre and she would regularly visit us here, where I live with her 11-year-old daughter. She was taking good care of us with her meagre pay,” said Kurgat, 60, wiping down tears.

The deceased’s brother, Robert Kipkogei, a Form Two student at Songoliet Secondary School, said his  sister was the one paying his school fees. “She has been paying for my fees and I don’t know how I will continue with school in her absence,” he said.

After the accident, residents gathered around the senator’s car, forcing his driver to speed off. However, he was stopped at the neighbouring Chereber Shopping Centre after residents, who had been informed of the accident, barricaded the road.

David Mutai, a resident at the trading centre, said they received calls from people at the scene of the accident, asking them to stop Khalwale’s car. “The vehicle was  at high speed heading to Eldoret.

We did not know it was Khalwale’s car. We ordered it to stop, after which he came out and identified himself,” he said. The residents said they later called the Administration Police from the chief’s camp.

The car, which had its headlamps broken, is being held at Tarakwa Police Station. Eldoret South OCPD Esther Muhoro confirmed the incident, saying it was unfortunate.

“Khalwale’s car was involved in an accident at around 8am. He was being driven by his driver, who knocked down a pedestrian who was crossing the road. The woman was injured on the head and died on the spot,” said the OCPD.

She added: “The incident was seen as a hit-and-run but the driver was looking for the nearest police station and he could not get the right direction. He has recorded statements here and we are waiting for Khalwale, who has gone to Eldoret, to come and record his statement,” she said.

She said the woman’s body had been taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

And in an interview with The standard, Dr Khalwale confirmed that his car was involved in accident and regretted that the incident had happened.

“It does not matter whose fault it was. What matters is that the life of a Kenyan was lost. I am deeply sorry and wish to send my condolences to family members  and friends of the deceased,” said Khalwale.

He said he was in touch with the deceased’s family and would continue to communicate with them as they mourned their loved one.

“About 40 minutes after the accident, I posted on Twitter about it and sent my condolences to the family and friends. I wish to thank those who re-tweeted to send condolences and messages of good will to the family,” said Khalwale.

The senator, who later on Saturday addressed a prayer rally for Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula in Kitale, told the crowd about the incident. Uasin Gishu Base Commander Henry Munene said yesterday that the senator recorded a statement and his driver would appear in court on November 10.