Police: Lawyer Kabage’s car hit pavement, before being found ‘unconscious’

Businessman and politician Karanja Kabage is dead.

According to a statement by National Police Service (NPS), the lawyer was driving a black Land Cruiser VX on the Southern Bypass from Ole Sereni direction towards Kikuyu when his vehicle veered off the road, slowed down and appeared to be making a U-turn before hitting the pavement.

“When a taxi driver and another Good Samaritan stopped to check on him, he requested to be driven to Nairobi hospital. Upon arrival, the victim was already unconscious. He passed on as the doctors tried to resuscitate him,” read the police statement which was signed by NPS Director of Corporate Communications Charles Owino.

Inspector General has directed the Director of Criminal Investigation to probe what could have been the cause of his death.

Initial reports had indicated that Kabage died in a road accident on Friday night while driving in Nairobi’s Karen area.

Some reports now indicate that the lawyer might have suffered a heart attack while driving.

Kabage served as a director at African Reinsurance Corporation and First Reinsurance Brokers Limited.

He has also served as a board member of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Labour Advisory Board, Energy Regulatory Authority Commission among others.

He was among leaders who attended Bob Collymore’s memorial service at All Saints Cathedral on Thursday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has led Kenyans in mourning Kabage whom he described as a great friend.

 “It is painful to lose a great friend at a time like this. I pray that God will give the family, friends and relatives comfort and fortitude at this trying moment,” said Kenyatta.

 "Kenya has lost a resourceful person who was always willing and ready to offer legal aid to those who sought his help,” said President

ODM leader Raila Odinga also mourned the businessman.

“It with shock and sadness that I have received news of the untimely demise of lawyer, politician and businessman Karanja Kabage, my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. May God grant them strength at this trying moment and may his soul rest in eternal peace,”