Rentokil Boss Fraser Branch in Highway Smash as DUI and Racism Claims Surface

A routine evening drive on Uhuru Highway turned chaotic on Monday night after Rentokil Initial East Africa Managing Director Fraser Branch allegedly rammed into the rear of another vehicle, sparking a police probe into suspected drunk driving and racial abuse.

The crash, which happened at the height of traffic, has rattled Nairobi’s corporate circles and reignited debate over privilege, accountability and the perception that powerful executives often evade consequences on Kenyan roads.

The victim, whose vehicle was badly damaged, told police that Branch appeared intoxicated and became aggressive immediately after the collision.

He claims the executive hurled racially charged insults and threatened to use his corporate standing to make the matter “go away.”

The driver, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said he feared intimidation and had already faced pressure to drop the matter.

Police officers who responded to the scene have recorded statements from the parties and several witnesses.

Investigators are probing whether Branch was driving while impaired and whether his alleged remarks amount to hate speech, an offence that carries heavy penalties under Kenyan law.

Witnesses interviewed by police say Branch was speeding moments before the crash and appeared visibly shaken and agitated after stepping out of his vehicle.

They allege the confrontation escalated quickly when he directed derogatory comments at the other motorist and boasted about his influence.

Rentokil Initial, a multinational hygiene and pest control firm with extensive operations across East Africa, had not issued a statement by publication time.

The case has struck a chord in a country where motorists routinely complain that traffic laws are selectively enforced and that the wealthy often escape charges that would land ordinary drivers in court.

Road safety advocates say the incident exposes longstanding failures in policing, calling for a transparent and decisive investigation.

Legal analysts note that if the claims of racial abuse are proven, Branch could face prosecution under the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

The suspected drink-driving offence alone could lead to fines, suspension of his licence or criminal charges.

Civil society groups monitoring traffic enforcement say the case must not be allowed to quietly fade, warning that inaction would further undermine public trust in Kenya’s justice system.

They accuse authorities of routinely going soft on high-profile offenders, pointing to previous cases that stalled without explanation.

The National Transport and Safety Authority has not commented, drawing criticism from activists who say the agency has been slow to address cases involving influential individuals.

The victim’s lawyer says his client will pursue both criminal action and civil damages, insisting he will not be intimidated.

With police now piecing together witness accounts and reviewing available evidence, the spotlight is firmly on whether the justice system will treat this case differently—or whether it will become yet another example of impunity on Nairobi’s roads.