Ninety-six (96) individuals accused to have been involved in last week’s acts of lawlessness that marred Eldoret town were on Monday, November 21, 2022, arraigned before Eldoret Law courts.
The group was charged with obstructing county enforcement officers in the due course of duty to get rid of unlicensed traders by throwing crude weapons and causing injuries, destruction of property and looting shops.
Court documents indicate that the crimes were committed on November 17, 2022.
While appearing before Eldoret Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyan, eighty-eight (88)of the accused pleaded guilty to all the charges that had been preferred against them.
They were sentenced to three months in prison.
However, six accused persons denied the charges and the court directed that they be remanded until December 5, 2022, when their case shall be heard.
Investigations are still underway and more suspects involved in last week’s incident are expected to be arraigned in court on Tuesday.
Opening up Eldoret Market
Following the incident, the County Government of Uasin Gishu announced the closure of the Eldoret Retail Market which was at the centre of the chaos.
Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot said the market will remain closed for the next 7 days.
Already, the county has embarked on clearing and opening roads around the Eldoret Champions Market.
The activity is geared at making the town accessible while at the same time making the surroundings secure. The lighting of the once inaccessible area is also part of the plan.
Currently, the County road equipment is engaged in the grading of the avenues around the market. The works also include rehabilitating and making spaces between the market and Eagles Hardware motorable, which was initially habited by street families.
This is in line with Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim’s plan to open up roads, support 24-hour business and promote security for the residents of Uasin Gishu County.
Eng. Barorot visits Eldomatt Bakery
Earlier, Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot made a visit to a business premise that was vandalized last week and goods stolen following the unrest in town.
The DG while accompanied by a host of County Executive Committee Members met with the staff and proprietor of Eldomatt bakery Jaideep Shah situated at the heart of Eldoret town.
Barorot used the platform to express the county’s assurance that those behind the looting will be dealt with lawfully.
Normalcy has since returned to the town with normal business activities gradually picking up.
