Eldoret Residents Protest Businessman’s Arrest, Raise Alarm Over Alleged Gangs
Some of the protesters gather in Eldoret demanding Change.
By James Gitaka
Residents of Eldoret marched to the Central Police Station on Friday demanding an investigation into the arrest of businessman Moses Ronoh and raising concerns over what they described as the growing influence of criminal groups in Uasin Gishu County.
The protesters, joined by human rights activists and other residents, said Ronoh’s arrest on September 18 in Chepkoilel, Soy Sub-County, had heightened fears among people who believe they are being intimidated for speaking out on public affairs.
Ronoh, who was released on a Sh10,000 bond, said his arrest followed comments he posted on social media criticising the performance of the Uasin Gishu County Government.
“I was arrested after posting on social media that the performance of the County Government was poor,” Ronoh said after his release.
He alleged that his detention at Central Police Station amounted to an attempt to suppress his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“I was detained here at Central to prevent me from exercising my constitutional right to freedom of expression,” he said.
The allegations have prompted calls from residents and human rights activists for authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ronoh’s arrest and wider claims of intimidation in the county.
Paul Songok, a businessman who took part in the protest, said traders needed greater security and freedom to express their views.
“People should be free to conduct their businesses, express their views and live without intimidation,” Songok said.
William Mutai, a resident, called for complaints from members of the public to be addressed through established legal channels.
“If someone has committed an offence, the law should take its course, but residents should not live in fear of groups of people alleged to be using violence,” Mutai said.
Residents demand action
Judy Koech, another resident, questioned what she described as inconsistent treatment of people who criticise public officials online.
“Even President William Ruto has been criticised and insulted on social media, but we have not seen people being locked up simply because of that,” Koech said.
She also called for action against groups that residents accuse of using intimidation.
“If Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen cannot rein in these gangs, then citizens will be forced to take the law into their own hands,” Koech said.
Her comments about citizens taking the law into their own hands were not presented as a collective position of the protesters.
Duncan Sanchez, a resident, alleged that some groups of young people had claimed to enjoy protection from influential individuals.
“These gangs are openly boasting that they are protected by the Ministry of Interior, the Deputy Inspector General of Police and some MPs from Uasin Gishu,” Sanchez alleged.
The claims have not been independently verified, and there was no immediate official response presented by police to the allegations.
Jonathan Sirma Agui, another resident who participated in the protest, called for a transparent investigation.
“We want the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into these allegations and assure residents that their security is in the hands of accountable institutions,” Agui said.
Activist calls for police transfers
Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui renewed his call for the transfer of some police officers whom he said had served in the region for extended periods.
Kirui said he had been pushing for the transfer of the Officer Commanding Station at Eldoret Central for more than a year, arguing that prolonged postings had contributed to declining public confidence in some officers.
“For more than a year, I have been calling for the transfer of the OCS at Eldoret Central because residents have lost confidence in some officers,” Kirui said.
He also called for the transfer of officers who have served for extended periods in areas including Langas, Naiberi and Kesses.
“Police officers who have served for a long time, particularly in Langas, Naiberi and Kesses, should be transferred to bring fresh leadership and restore public confidence in the police service,” Kirui said.
Kirui said the concerns raised by residents should be investigated by the relevant authorities.
“Residents’ complaints about police conduct should not be ignored. They should be investigated so that the public can have confidence that their concerns are being handled fairly,” he said.
Ronoh due back at police station
Ronoh was released on a Sh10,000 bond and is expected to return to Eldoret Central Police Station on September 23 to record a statement.
The protesters want the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding his arrest and investigate their broader allegations concerning criminal groups and police conduct in parts of Uasin Gishu.
The allegations that police officers, politicians or government officials have protected criminal groups have not been independently established.
Likewise, the claim that Ronoh was arrested because of his social media posts requires confirmation from police or court records.
The dispute comes amid broader calls from residents for greater accountability in policing and stronger action against criminal activity in Eldoret and surrounding areas.
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