Marakwet West MP Condemns Alleged KFS Brutality, Calls for Arrests and Public Action

 Marakwet West Member of Parliament Timothy Kipchumba Toroitich has strongly condemned what he described as persistent acts of brutality and impunity by officers of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) operating in Marakwet West, following the death of a local resident and the critical injury of another.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the MP said he had been informed of the death of Samuel Toroitich, who allegedly succumbed to injuries sustained after an assault by KFS officers. According to the MP, the incident occurred on Sunday, 21 December 2025, near Kapengong Primary School in Kapsowar Ward. The deceased was initially treated at Kapsowar Mission Hospital before being referred to Top Hill Hospital in Eldoret, where he later died.

“This is a tragic and unacceptable loss of life. No Kenyan should lose their life at the hands of state officers acting outside the law,” Toroitich said.

The MP further cited a separate incident involving Bernard Kiplagat Kiptarus (arap Kerew) from Chebulbai/Yemit village, who was allegedly assaulted by KFS officers attached to Yemit Forest Station, Cheptongei Zone, on Tuesday, 23 December 2025. The victim was rushed to Iten Referral Hospital, later transferred to Living Room Hospital in Eldoret, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in critical condition.

Toroitich noted that these incidents are part of a wider pattern of alleged abuse by forest officers in the region.

“This is not the first time residents of Marakwet West have reported violent conduct by Kenya Forest Service officers. This culture of impunity must come to an end,” he said.

The MP called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of any officers found responsible, emphasizing that the Constitution requires all persons—regardless of office—to be held accountable under the law.

“Our progressive Constitution is clear: anyone who violates the law must be arrested and arraigned in a court of law. No institution is above the law,” he added.

As part of his response, Toroitich announced that he will address residents of Marakwet West on 1 January 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Cheptongei Centre, where he intends to outline the next course of action and publicly demand accountability from those allegedly involved.

“This senseless violence against our people can no longer be tolerated. Justice for the victims and protection for our communities must prevail,” the MP said.

Authorities had not issued an official response to the allegations by the time of publication.