Probe Kipkaren h**e sp*ech fliers, Mand**o urges police
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago yesterday called on security agencies to investigate “incitement” leaflets circulated in Kipkaren estate, Kapseret constituency.
Speaking at the county headquarters in Eldoret town, Mandago said it was not the first time such leaflets were being dropped in the region.
He said two other attempts have previously disrupted peace in the county, but investigations by the relevant arms of government have been inconclusive.
“A few months ago, leaflets were dispersed in the same area and the DCI did not make any arrest. We are now asking them to move with speed and arrest the culprits,” he said.
The governor took issue with the local security department, citing laxity in their operation and issued a two-week ultimatum to the police investigating the matter to complete their investigations and apprehend the suspects.
“Our security department, the County Commissioner, Police County Commander, National Intelligence Service, the County Coordinator and the Criminal Investigations Directorate, should tell us who the perpetrators are and that they have been arrested and arraigned in court,” he said.
Mandago at the same time appealed to residents to work with local administrators and peace committees headed by the council of elders in ensuring the county never slides back to electoral related violence.
Governor was flagged by Ward Reps who included Hillary Rono (Kipkenyo) Gilbert Tenai (Cheptiret/Kipchamo), Gilbert Bett (Kuinet/ Kapsuswa), and Francis Muiya (Langas) and Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Ayub Gitonga.
“This incident cannot be dismissed. The police can investigate thoroughly and trace the origin of the said leaflets through tracing the computers used to type them, finger prints can also be taken and tested and the culprits sought and brought to justice,” added Mandago.
Mandago urged residents to go about their businesses unperturbed, while assuring them of security.
“If the perpetrators are not arrested, we will conduct citizen arrests, spare us this nonsense of causing division in this county, be it political or not, we have lived in peace and do not want people provoking communities for unspecified gains.”
At the same time, he warned residents against sharing unverified information through social media since it would amount to spreading malicious information that may cause suspicion among communities.
On his part, Gitonga noted the police were tracing the origin of the leaflets to ensure the culprits are apprehended. He said the county has deployed more police officers to intensify security. -KNA
