By Cynthia Ochieng
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to individuals he accuses of inciting residents of Kericho and Bomet Counties against use of tea plucking machines.
Opposition against the machines has since seen a section of residents take to the streets.
The protests have however led to the destruction of property, theft as well as attack against police officers.
But according to CS Kindiki, actions will be taken against all those involved regardless of the positions they hold in the society.
Speaking in Kesses in Uasin Gishu County, Wednesday, the CS revealed that investigations have since linked some political and business leaders to the recent protests.
He says the leaders have been supporting and funding lawlessness.
“It is unfortunate that the police who are sent to maintain law and order are the ones who are being attacked. We saw police vehicles being torched. I will not take this matter lightly. Everyone involved must face the law,” Kindiki said.
Proper channels
He also noted that so far, 24 people have been arrested – 13 from Bomet and 11 from Kericho.
Kindiki has also asked all complainants to follow the right channels rather than resorting to destruction of properties.
“There are many stakeholders employed in this country whose job is to listen to the pleas and plights of the citizens. No one has the right to take legal action in their hands,” the CS said.
“Properties being destroyed has been acquired financially and their destruction leads to losses to the owners. Innocent people who do not engage in protests have had to face massive losses. There is a constitution that protects the rights of every citizen of this country, therefore, it is the responsibility of each and everyone to channel their complaints following the constitution,” he added.
Locals in the two counties earlier this week staged protests that saw tea plucking machines burnt.
They are against the introduction of the machines by multinationals that cultivate huge tracks of tea farms in the two counties.
According to the locals, the machines has rendered many of them jobless.
