Former CMC director and businessman Joel Kibe held, released over fatal accident in Runda, Nairobi

A former director with the Cooper Motors Corporation and businessman Joel Kibe was Monday night arrested after a Range Rover he was driving rammed onto a security barrier and killed a guard on duty in Runda, Nairobi.

Police said Kibe lost control of the car as he approached the barrier and drove past it before killing a guard who was on duty.

He was arrested and held at the Gigiri police station before being released Tuesday morning pending outcome of the investigations.

Nairobi head of traffic Edward Mwamburi said they are investigating the accident and would take action when they through.

"Two guards were injured but one of them died. We are investigating the incident before action is taken," said Mwamburi.

Former director with the Cooper Motors Corporation and businessman Joel Kibe (left). He was arrested and later released for knocking down and killing a watchman Monday night. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Chairman of Runda Security Committee Dr S. Sharma said Kibe is a resident in the estate and that the accident happened at about 1.58 a.m. at the UN barrier.

“The driver of the car was detained by the police following preliminary investigations and we expect to get more details in due course.  It is a sad day for Runda and we pray for the family of the deceased. We urge our members to exercise caution and care as they drive through the estate,” said Sharma.

We could not get a comment from Kibe as his cellphone rang unanswered.

Witnesses said the driver was getting into the estate when the accident happened. Some of them took a video that was widely shared on the social media and captured him saying he hit the barrier and his car had been damaged.

His car was surprisingly released from the station on Tuesday morning after an inspection was conducted.

 National Transport and Safety Authority director general Francis Meja said Kibe may appear in court Wednesday.

He added NTSA were called to the accident scene after the 1a.m. incident.