Nairobi — Authorities have apprehended 11 suspects linked to the recent incidences of violence and destruction of property in tea farms in Kericho and Bomet Counties.
Interior Cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki said Wednesday that Kericho and Bomet Counties Security and Intelligence teams have also narrowed down on other key suspects who are still at large.
Kindiki's statement comes as parts of Kericho and Bomet Counties have in the last few weeks witnessed wrangles in the tea estates as a result of disagreement on the use of tea picking machines and related issues.
According to CS Kindiki some of the suspects include political leaders and businessmen who he argues have been inciting members of the public to engage in acts of violence, looting and destruction of property.
"These political and business leaders will be required to record statements before the respective County Security and Intelligence Committees in the coming days," he said.
He warned that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
While giving an update on the situation, the Interior CS indicated that Nine green leaf plucking machines and trucks at Ekaterra Company in Kericho County were torched as a result of the violence
Kindiki further stated that motor vehicles, including one for the police and private tractors were also damaged in the ensuing melee.
He added that Five Police Officers, a Journalist and a youth were injured during the violent protests that disrupted businesses around Brooke Shopping as well as traffic flow along the Nakuru-Kericho Highway.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The acts of violence in Kericho County in the last two days follow similar violent protests witnessed in the neighboring Bomet County a week ago, where six Police Officers were attacked and seriously injured by youths who were illegally harvesting tea at James Finlay tea Company farm.
"These are criminal acts that cannot be allowed," he warned.
Kindiki stated that the National Police Service has lawfully determined that the protests pose clear, present and imminent danger to public order noting that the unfolding situation in the two Counties portends grave danger to the rule of law, peace and stability.
"The violence, looting, burning and destruction of public and private property, disruption of daily activities and assaulting security officers are criminal acts that must cease," said Kindiki.
To avert a repeat of the violence Kindiki directed security agencies in Kericho and Bomet Counties to enforce the law firmly and decisively and apprehend all criminals without fear or favour.
The Interior CS stated that the Government is ready to facilitate peaceful resolution of any dispute(s) between tea farm owners, workers and the respective County Governments.
