Africa-Press – Kenya. A taxi driver and a county askari official sustained injuries after a vehicle overturned along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway on Monday, April 26, following a chaotic arrest.
Sources indicated that the county askari entered the vehicle as he attempted to arrest the taxi driver – while the vehicle was still in motion.
Speaking to the media after the accident, the driver stated that the county officer’s interference caused the vehicle to roll over.
“When we got to the roundabout he crossed over his legs from the passenger side and hit the brakes, and asked me where I was driving to,” adding that he warned the askari not to obstruct him while driving.
“He did the same thing again and threatened to cause an accident. I tried to steer the vehicle and remove his foot from the pedals at the same time.
“Eventually he overpowered me during the scuffle and grabbed the steering before the car overturned,” Richard Gichuki the taxi driver recalled.
The county officer wanted to arrest the driver after he allegely failed to provide proof that he had paid parking fees.
Speaking on the matter, the Nakuru East Deputy sub county Police Commander Phanton Analo stated that the taxi driver had attempted to escape towards Nairobi.
Organising Secretary Digital Transport Association Mathew Lesanjo, criticised the officers for not dressing in official uniform when on duty.
He noted that many taxis have been unable to pay the Ksh1,000 seasonal parking fees due to the pandemic and the 8pm curfew.
In January, an elderly woman escaped death by a whisker after being dragged by a speeding Kisumu county vehicle.
One askari held the woman’s right arm tightly, dragging her on the tarmac without bothering to let go despite her cries. The incident sparked outrage across Kisumu – with governor Anyang’ Nyong’o suspending the said officers.
County askari, taxi driver injured as vehicle rolls in highway arrest. pic.twitter.com/c2A5gstDTJ
