Senator Mandago Demands Action Over Alleged Political Goons in Eldoret as Misoi Attack Sparks Public Outrage

Speaking on the floor of the Senate yesterday, Mandago sought a formal response from the Interior Ministry regarding alleged collusion between criminal gangs and sections of the police service in Eldoret.

“Madam Speaker, I wanted to ask the Cabinet Secretary, in relation to Section C of Question Number Four on the mistrust of the public in law enforcement, what he is doing to ensure that officers who coordinate with goons — like in Eldoret where over 300 goons are roaming the city well known to the OCS — are dealt with so that public trust can be restored,” Mandago posed.

The senator’s remarks follow a recent surge in violent attacks targeting traders, political figures, and individuals perceived to hold dissenting political views within Eldoret, particularly in Kapseret Sub-County.

Misoi Assault Intensifies Scrutiny

The debate gained urgency after a brutal attack on former Uasin Gishu MCA Edwin Misoi, who remains admitted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital fighting for his life.

According to reports previously published on Hubzmedia.africa, Misoi was ambushed on Friday night in Eldoret’s Central Business District by individuals alleged to be known political goons. Sources close to the matter claim the attack may have been linked to his recent political stance concerning leadership dynamics in Kapseret.

The assault was widely condemned by political leaders across party lines, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders, who termed it a brazen attempt to intimidate voices within local politics.

Police have since confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with the attack, including a suspected police officer. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.

Rights Groups Announce Protests

Human rights lobby groups have now escalated pressure on authorities. Kimutai Kirui, representing the Centre Against Torture, has formally notified the Eldoret Central Police Station of planned peaceful demonstrations scheduled for Friday.

In a statement, Kirui accused elements within the police command of shielding criminal gangs allegedly linked to politicians.

“There have been numerous reported cases that never make it to court. Victims are left without justice while known perpetrators operate with impunity,” Kirui said, further alleging that the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Eldoret Central has failed to take decisive action against the gangs.

The protest organizers insist the demonstrations will be peaceful but aimed at demanding accountability, transparency, and restoration of confidence in law enforcement institutions.

Growing Political Tensions

Eldoret has in recent months experienced heightened political tension, with rival camps accusing each other of sponsoring youth gangs to intimidate opponents and control economic spaces within the town.

Senator Mandago’s intervention now places the matter squarely before the Interior Ministry, raising broader questions about command responsibility, police oversight, and the state’s role in curbing politically instigated violence.

As investigations continue into the Misoi attack, residents and business owners in Eldoret are calling for swift action to prevent further deterioration of security and to restore public confidence in the police service.