Marakwet West MP Calls for Justice Over Alleged KFS Brutality, Engages Youth on Key Issues

Marakwet West Member of Parliament Timothy Kipchumba has strongly condemned alleged brutality by officers of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) following the death of a resident and the assault of another in Kapsowar Ward.

Speaking after a consultative meeting with residents from Kapsowar and Moiben Kuserwo wards, the MP said the community was deeply pained by recent incidents in which KFS officers are accused of using excessive force. One individual from Kapengong village in Kapsowar Ward reportedly died during the incident, while another is currently receiving treatment at Living Room Hospital in Eldoret.

Residents who attended the meeting emotionally narrated what they described as repeated mistreatment, mishandling and torture by KFS officers operating in the area. Kipchumba said such actions must come to an end.

“The use of brutal force against unarmed civilians is unacceptable. It is primitive, archaic and goes against established legal norms,” the MP said, adding that the incidents had been widely condemned.

He called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officers involved, stressing that justice must be served without delay. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the legislator had engaged young people at Chebiemit Centre, where discussions focused on challenges affecting the youth, including unemployment, electricity connectivity and other fundamental issues.

Kipchumba said he plans to hold similar engagements with young people across the entire constituency this year to better understand their concerns and work towards lasting solutions.

“This year, I am committed to listening to our youth and finding ways of addressing the many issues affecting them,” he said.

The MP also supported football teams drawn from Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties during a sports engagement held at Kapsait, noting that sports play a key role in promoting unity and nurturing talent among young people.

Kipchumba concluded by thanking residents for their openness during the engagements and called for peaceful coexistence, accountability and respect for human rights, saying all actions must be guided by the rule of law.