Political leaders and some businessmen are behind the chaos in Bomet and Kericho counties that have led to the torching of nine green leaf plucking machines and trucks.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, May 24 said the leaders had been linked to acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property, and will be required to record statements before their respective County Security and Intelligence Committees.
Kindiki warned protests posed a clear, present, and imminent danger to public order and warned that these criminal acts that will not be allowed.
Eleven suspects have so far been arrested and will be arraigned to face justice.
“To avert a repeat of these acts of lawlessness, security agencies shall enforce the law firmly and decisively and shall apprehend all criminals without fear, favor, ill will, or affection. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the CS said.
Parts of Kericho and Bomet Counties have in the last few weeks witnessed wrangles and conflicts in the tea estates as a result of disagreement on the use of tea-picking machines and related issues.
Kindiki said nine green leaf plucking machines and trucks at Ekaterra Company in Kericho County had been torched.
He added that five police officers, a journalist, and another resident were also injured during the violent and unlawful protests, businesses around Brooke Shopping Centre were severely disrupted as well as traffic flow along the Nakuru-Kericho Highway.
“Motor vehicles, including one for the police and private tractors, have also been damaged in unlawful acts of wanton destruction of property,” he said.
The acts of violence in Kericho County in the last two days follow similar violent protests witnessed in the neighboring Bomet County a week ago, where six police officers were attacked and seriously injured by youths who were illegally harvesting tea at the James Finlay tea Company farm.
“On the basis of what has now become a pattern of violence and destruction of property in Kericho and Bomet Counties in the last few days and in previous months, the National Police Service has rightfully and lawfully determined that the protests pose a clear, present, and imminent danger to public order,” he added.
Kindiki said the unfolding situation in the two counties portends grave danger to the rule of law, peace, and stability.
He further directed that the violence, looting, burning, and destruction of public and private property, disruption of daily activities, and assaulting security officers must cease.
“These political and business leaders will be required to record statements before the respective County Security and Intelligence Committees in the coming days.
No one will be spared,” he added.
Kindiki said they encourage and offer to facilitate the peaceful resolution of any disputes between tea farm owners, workers, and the respective County Governments in an environment of law, order, and tranquility.
