Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi Criticizes County Enforcement Over Alleged Abuses and Business Interruptions
He claimed that some investigation files linked to enforcement misconduct experience unusual delays or fail to move forward at the ODPP, preventing victims from obtaining justice.
Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi. Photo by Mahlon Lichuma
By Ruth Sang
County enforcement officers in Uasin Gishu County face strong criticism from Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi who claims their conduct includes excessive force use and resident rights violations and business operation disturbances. The MCA believes the actions of enforcement officers have created public fear while decreasing trust in the authorities who should protect them.
Wanjohi described the situation after two days of unrest in Eldoret as chaotic which resulted in damage to people’s means of making a living. He explained that from Friday evening through Saturday, tension and disorder forced many traders to close their shops, effectively halting normal economic activities in the affected areas.
The public bears the main burden because disorder breaks out. Residents lose their sense of safety and business owners experience revenue declines while people who drive their vehicles encounter obstacles to their journeys. The MCA maintained that stability serves as the essential requirement for business sustainability and community development.
The disturbances reportedly impacted Huruma and nearby neighborhoods, affecting a wide range of people including small-scale traders, street hawkers, boda boda riders, and daily commuters. Wanjohi noted that when businesses remain closed for long periods, traders struggle financially and the broader local economy also takes a hit.
Wanjohi alleged that some enforcement officers have gone beyond their legal authority. He claimed that certain officers from the enforcement unit dedicated their efforts to intimidating civilians through their physical force tactics which they used to mistreat people. He added that these concerns had previously been raised before the County Security Committee, but little improvement had been seen.
He cited incidents in areas such as Kinyama where street vendors and motorcycle taxi operators were reportedly beaten. According to him, enforcement duties should never justify violence, torture, or mistreatment of citizens. He emphasized that officers must always operate within the limits of the law.
The Bill of Rights in Kenya’s Constitution protects the inherent dignity and personal safety and fundamental rights of every individual according to Wanjohi. He insisted that no Kenyan should face violence or degrading treatment from those tasked with enforcing the law.
The MCA further claimed that multiple assault complaints against county officers had been reported at Eldoret Central Police Station. However, he alleged that many of these cases stall due to interference, leaving victims discouraged. The justice system loses public trust when people report incidents but authorities fail to respond which sometimes results in protests from frustrated communities according to him.
Wanjohi also recalled a past case involving a rescue center where children were reportedly mistreated. He alleged that county enforcement officers attacked DCI officers who tried to investigate the situation. The incidents raised important questions about law enforcement accountability and their commitment to following proper legal procedures according to him.
He claimed that some investigation files linked to enforcement misconduct experience unusual delays or fail to move forward at the ODPP, preventing victims from obtaining justice.
The police misconduct allegations against Wanjohi showed he thinks all police officers do not engage in wrongdoing. He believed most police officers serve their duties with integrity while two officers committed bribery and abused their power.
He raised concerns about county enforcement officers handling tasks designated for traffic police and NTSA officials when they inspect licenses and vehicle compliance. He believes that county enforcement officers must not participate in these activities.
The MCA pledged to defend the rights of residents who face vulnerability while seeking justice for their community. He revealed that a recent assault victim believed to have died is alive and has recorded a police statement identifying alleged attackers.
Wanjohi the lawyer announced his intention to provide pro bono legal services for clients whose cases require court representation. He concluded by urging authorities to carry out fair investigations, respect human rights, and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement.
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