Opinion: Eldoret Must Reject Mob Justice and Confront Rising Criminal Gangs
“The family and child must receive full justice, and those who unleashed lawless violence on the facility must be held ruthlessly accountable,” Kimutai Kirui
A collage image showing Eldobase Pharmacy in Eldoret, Pauline Osoro—the mother of the child involved in the reported medication error—and human rights activist Kimutai Kirui, who has called for due process and an end to mob justice. Photo courtesy: HubzMedia.
By Kimutai Kirui Human Rights Activits.
A human rights activist has called for calm, rule of law, and decisive action against criminal gangs following the recent confrontation at Eldobass Pharmacy in Eldoret, warning that mob justice and rising hooliganism threaten both public safety and legitimate businesses in Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement reacting to the incident involving a medication error at the pharmacy, the activist acknowledged concerns surrounding the child who was reportedly given the wrong medication but emphasized that such circumstances cannot justify acts of lawlessness.
“We recognize that the child was administered the wrong medication—alleged skin ointment instead of the proper treatment for her eye condition—but this in no way justifies lawlessness,” the statement reads.
Kirui urged all parties involved—including the child’s family and the pharmacy management—to resolve the matter through dialogue and lawful channels.
“We therefore urge all parties—the mother, family, the chemist, shareholders, and staff—to engage with one another amicably and responsibly,” he said.
Concerns Over Criminal Gangs in Eldoret
The activist argued that the incident reflects a broader security concern in Eldoret’s Central Business District, where criminal gangs are allegedly operating with increasing boldness.
“The attack at Eldobass Pharmacy is not an isolated incident. In Eldoret CBD alone, criminal gangs roam unchecked—brazen, armed, and operating under the watch of the OCS,” the statement said.
Kirui further alleged that authorities are aware of the individuals behind the criminal activities but have yet to take decisive action.
“The police know exactly who these goons are, yet action—or deliberate inaction—has a price. Justice is often auctioned to the highest bidder while impunity festers in shadows where pockets are greased,” he said.
According to the activist, the activities of such groups are undermining the rule of law and creating an environment where businesses and citizens feel increasingly unsafe.
“These gangs terrorize businesses, intimidate citizens, and corrode the foundations of law and order,” he stated.
Call for Police Action
Kirui called on law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations and take firm action against criminal gangs operating within the county.
“We call upon the police to act decisively: investigate, identify, arrest, and prosecute all criminal gangs and goons—not only for Eldobass but across the county,” he said.
He warned that if such groups remain unchecked, the situation could escalate further.
“These goons and criminal gangs attack and maim not only citizens or business enterprises but also chiefs and police officers, yet no action is taken. Some kill, steal, and seize property—and if left unchecked, they will escalate to raiding homes and demanding ‘protection’ money,” he said.
Warning Against Mob Justice
Kirui also condemned the storming of the pharmacy, describing it as unlawful and harmful to the local business environment.
“The attack on Eldobass Pharmacy was unwarranted, unnecessary, and criminal. Invading private premises to generate viral content undermines public order and threatens the stability of legitimate businesses,” he said.
He emphasized that a pharmacy as a business entity should not be conflated with individual practitioners, and that businesses deserve protection under the law.
“It is crucial to clarify that a pharmacy is distinct from a medical practitioner. The pharmacy, its proprietor, and staff deserve a safe, lawful environment to conduct their work,” he said.
Sympathy for the Affected Family
At the same time, the activist expressed sympathy for the child and the family affected by the medication error.
“We extend our deepest empathy to the mother, the child, and the family affected,” he said.
Kirui cautioned against exploiting the family’s situation for political or publicity purposes.
“Families must not be pawns for political optics or viral attention,” he said, adding that attempts by some political figures to exploit the situation were “reprehensible.”
According to him, meaningful support for the family should focus on ensuring the child receives proper medical care and that their concerns are addressed through appropriate institutions.
“True solidarity means ensuring the child receives medical care, supporting the mother, and making certain their concerns are heard by the proper authorities,” he said.
Justice Through Legal Channels
Kirui stressed that justice must be pursued through lawful processes rather than mob action.
“Supporting the family in pursuit of justice must never be confused with mob action,” he said.
He urged the family to seek redress through established regulatory bodies such as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council and other relevant institutions.
“The family and child must receive full justice, and those who unleashed lawless violence on the facility must be held ruthlessly accountable,” he added.
Kirui concluded by warning that the growing culture of hiring gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals poses a serious threat to governance and stability in the county.
“We categorically condemn the proliferation of goons-for-hire in Eldoret. This culture of intimidation and lawlessness has metastasized across Uasin Gishu County, threatening public safety, lawful enterprise, and the very foundations of law and order,” he said.
“If we fail to act, the mob will not just erode order—it will consume the rule of law itself.”
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