Candy Soita, the 23-year-old daughter of former Kenyan Cabinet Minister Soita Shitanda (1959-2016), faces serious charges in the United States following a tragic accident.
On June 2, 2024, in Pierce County, Washington, Soita was involved in a fatal crash that resulted in two deaths and one injury. She has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of vehicular assault.
During her arraignment at Pierce County Superior Court, a plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf. Court Commissioner Barbara McInvaille set her bail at KSh66 million ($500,000).
Candy Soita Accident Details
The incident occurred at approximately 2:04 a.m. Soita was driving on the wrong side (east in the westbound lanes) of state Route 512 when her vehicle collided with a car driven by 29-year-old Charles T. Fairbairn from Georgia. Both Fairbairn and his passenger, 22-year-old Wendell T. Cerio from Arizona, died at the scene. Another soldier in the vehicle survived the crash with injuries.
Soita had her 19-month-old daughter in her car during the crash. Both were taken to medical facilities; Soita was treated at Tacoma General Hospital, and her daughter received care for a fractured hand at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
A military spokesperson confirmed that all three men involved were soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. “We are saddened to learn that two 7th Infantry Division soldiers passed following an off-post vehicle accident the morning of June 2, 2024. One additional 7th Infantry Division soldier was admitted to the hospital where they have since been released. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these soldiers during this difficult time. This incident remains under investigation,” the spokesperson said.
At the hospital, a trooper smelled alcohol on Soita’s breath and noticed her bloodshot, watery eyes. Soita admitted to drinking up to four drinks.
A breath test, taken about four hours after the crash, showed her blood alcohol level at 0.097, over the legal limit of 0.08 in Washington.
The charges against Soita highlight the severe consequences of impaired driving. And it elicits sympathy for the family members of those who passed away in the incident.
Further details will be shared as the case progresses.
By Vivian K.