Tension is mounting in Marakwet East after an aide to MP Bowen Kangogo, identified as Bethwel Chesire, went missing following an alleged abduction outside Sitotwo Secondary School in Keiyo South. The incident occurred a week ago and has sparked concern from both the legislator and Chesire’s family.
Speaking during a women’s empowerment event at Sitotwo last Saturday attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen Kangogo claimed that his aide was taken just outside the venue. He linked the disappearance to the ongoing security operation against banditry in Kerio Valley, which has seen heightened police activity in the region.
“We support the ongoing operation against criminals in Kerio Valley, but there are some innocent people who have been caught up in the situation. One of them is my employee, who was abducted and is still missing,” Kangogo said. He urged security agencies to focus on known criminals rather than innocent civilians, noting that Chesire’s family is in distress.
The MP insisted that while banditry must be eradicated, law enforcement must uphold due process. “Security officers should thoroughly investigate those involved in banditry and bring them to book, but innocent people should be spared,” he added.
In response, DP Kindiki acknowledged the concern, urging against politicising security matters but also stressing that innocent citizens must not be harassed. “We have to firmly deal with those bandits and get rid of all of them, but we ask security teams not to harass innocent people in the process,” Kindiki stated. He noted that it was not yet clear who was responsible for the abduction but assured that police would investigate.
Meanwhile, Chesire’s family, with the help of a lawyer, is preparing to file a court petition in Eldoret demanding that the government produce him in court.
The government has intensified security operations in Kerio Valley to curb rampant banditry, which has plagued the region for years. Kindiki expressed confidence that CS Murkomen would manage the situation effectively, reiterating the government’s resolve to restore lasting peace in the region.
