Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi Condemns County Enforcement Excesses, Cites Human Rights Violations and Business Disruptions

Huruma Ward MCA HGon. Kimani Wanjohi

Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi has raised serious concerns over alleged excesses by the Uasin Gishu County enforcement team, blaming them for widespread disruption of business activities, human rights violations, and growing public mistrust in law enforcement agencies.

Addressing the media after two days of unrest in parts of Eldoret, Wanjohi said the area experienced chaos from Friday night through the whole of Saturday, forcing many traders to shut down their businesses and bringing normal economic activities to a standstill.

“We have been in a state of disarray for the past two days. When such mayhem occurs, the biggest losers are business owners, residents in those areas, and motorists who rely on free movement,” he said.

The MCA said the disturbances affected Huruma and neighboring areas, with traders, hawkers, boda boda operators, and commuters bearing the brunt of the situation. He noted that prolonged business closures not only lead to financial losses for traders but also negatively affect the local economy.

Wanjohi accused county enforcement officers of overstepping their mandate, alleging that instead of maintaining law and order, some officers had resorted to intimidation, physical assault, and abuse of civilians. He said the issue of enforcement excesses had previously been discussed with the Uasin Gishu County Security Committee, but little had changed on the ground.

“There have been ongoing legal disputes involving the county enforcement team. People are being beaten in places like Kinyama, from hawkers to boda boda riders and other small-scale traders. Enforcement does not give anyone the right to assault, torture, or abuse citizens,” he said.

The MCA cited the Constitution of Kenya, particularly the Bill of Rights, noting that every individual is guaranteed safety, dignity, and fundamental human rights. He said enforcement officers must operate strictly within the law.

“Our Constitution is clear. No one should be subjected to violence or degrading treatment. The role of enforcement officers is to uphold the law, not to take the law into their own hands,” Wanjohi stated.

He further alleged that numerous assault cases involving county enforcement officers have been reported at Eldoret Central Police Station, but most have failed to progress due to interference. According to Wanjohi, victims eventually lose faith in the justice system when they see that reported cases do not result in arrests or prosecutions.

“When people record statements and see that no action is taken, they lose trust. At some point, fear and frustration push people to protest because they believe justice will never be served,” he said.

Wanjohi recalled a previous incident at a rescue centre, where children were allegedly subjected to torture. He claimed that when he accompanied DCI officers to follow up on the matter, county enforcement officers confronted them violently, allegedly assaulting two DCI officers in full view of the public.

“What does it say when officers sent to investigate are attacked and nothing happens? It raises serious questions about the rule of law and whether some people are above it,” he said.

He further alleged that investigation files related to county enforcement misconduct were either delayed or hidden at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), denying victims justice.

Wanjohi was, however, keen to note that not all police officers are corrupt, acknowledging that many serve professionally and diligently. He nonetheless alleged that some officers engage in extortion and assault, especially when individuals are unable to pay bribes.

The MCA also faulted county enforcement officers for allegedly taking up roles reserved for traffic police and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). He questioned their authority to demand driving licences, helmets, reflectors, and stickers from motorists and boda boda riders.

“Which law allows county enforcement officers to ask for driving licences? That role belongs to traffic police and NTSA. Enforcing such requirements on highways is unfair and unlawful,” he said.

He further argued that any enforcement related to boda boda stickers should be done through organized associations and designated stages, not on highways or transit routes used by people from different regions.

Wanjohi assured residents that leaders would continue to stand with them, particularly the poor and vulnerable, and vowed to ensure justice for victims of abuse. He revealed that a recent assault victim, earlier reported to have died, is alive and has since recorded a statement with the police, naming those allegedly responsible.

“As a lawyer, I will personally offer pro bono legal services to ensure this case is followed through to the ODPP and the courts. No one is above the law,” he said.

He concluded by calling on security agencies and county authorities to investigate all reported cases independently and professionally, uphold human rights, and restore public confidence in law enforcement.