Seven Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party were on Monday, June 5, grilled by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over the invasion of tea farms based in Kericho County.
Police officers at the DCIO headquarters in Kericho told the press that the lawmakers were summoned to explain their role in orchestrating the invasion of tea farms within the county.
Some of the politicians and activists who appeared at the DCI headquarters included Kapsoit MCA Paul Chirchir, Chaik MCA Mathew Korir, Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat, and political activist Gilbert Kipkoech among others.
Part of the investigations centered around the invaders' decision to target James Finlay and Ekaterra Plc primarily, with police suspecting that the matter could be politically instigated.
The politicians recorded statements of their alibi at the time the invasion occurred.
Further, Kericho Governor Erick Mutai was expected to appear at the DCI headquarters but was engaged in another function at Bomet County. According to the officer, Mutai will be required to physically appear to record a statement on Tuesday morning, June 6.
Chirchir, who had earlier spoken to the media, revealed that the summon was a political witch hunt - adding that he was willing to cooperate with the DCI regarding the matter.
He added that opinion leaders, activists and WhatsApp groups administrators were also summoned over the ongoing investigations.
The invasion had caused Ekaterra PLC to suspend operations in its estates over rising cases of insecurity rendering over 16,000 workers at risk of a looming mass layoff should the status quo remain.
Investigations
The police sought to investigate how the invasions occurred twice within the month of May 2023. Further, they sought to investigate how the youth, armed with crude weapons, managed to attack the farms that had tight security.
The invaders are reported to have engaged the police in running battles - forcing the officers to use live ammunition.
As a result, six people sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Kericho County Referral Hospital.
"52 live ammos used to fire warning shots as the officers retreated. The goons eventually burnt the police vehicle after vandalising it.
"Two wheels and the battery were stolen. A team of officers drawn from the entire Bomet County dispatched to the scene and the area in pursuit of the goons who escaped after torching the police vehicle," a police report seen by Kenyans.co.ke read in part.
