Governor Barchok escapes unhurt in road accident

The vehicle that was involved in an accident along Bomet-Narok Highway while ferrying Bomet Governor Prof Hillary Barchok. Prof Barchok escaped unhurt during the incident at Kipisarwet area. [Gilbert Kimutai, Standard]

Bomet Governor Prof Hillary Barchok was on Monday involved in a road accident at Kipsarwet along Bomet-Narok Highway after the vehicle he was travelling in hit a motorcycle.

The Toyota Prado was damaged extensively on the left side with witnesses saying the governor who escaped unhurt was whisked away in a chase car that was on his entourage.

Bomet Governor press service Director Joy Terer said Prof Barchok was not injured in the accident that occurred around 10.30 am.

"The Governor was not hurt during the accident, in fact he has been in the office the whole day and even held a meeting with officials from Diamond Trust Bank," she said.

Bomet Central Sub-County Police Commander Musa Imamai said the motorcyclist was taking a right turn from the highway when it collided with the governor's vehicle.

"The vehicle belonging to the county government was traveling in the same direction as the motorcycle when it suddenly made a right turn and was hit by the Toyota Prado that was ferrying the Governor," said Imamai.

Good Samaritans rushed the injured pillion passenger to Longisa County Hospital.

"Our officers arrived at the scene when the injured pillion passenger had been rushed to hospital by Good Samaritans and we learned that he sustained injuries on the head," he said.

Doctors at Longisa Hospital where the victim was rushed said he was out of danger as he had only suffered bruises.

"He is not badly injured as being said out there, we have confirmed he suffered soft tissue injuries and will definitely be discharged," said Imamai.

He said police have launched investigations into the accident and a manhunt for the rider who escaped from the scene.

"We do not know the whereabouts of the rider as he escaped from the scene after the accident," said Imamai.

He revealed that they are pursuing leads that will help them arrest the rider.

The police boss said the governor's vehicle was booked at Bomet Central Division headquarters for processing.

By the time of going to the press, Governor Barchok's driver was still writing a statement over what transpired but the vehicle had been driven away from the police station.