Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has said 11 suspects have been arrested in relation to conflicts over tea farming in Bomet and Kericho counties.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 24, the CS said county security and intelligence teams have also narrowed down on other key suspects who are still at large.
"Eleven (11) suspects have so far been arrested and will be arraigned to face justice. Kericho and Bomet Counties Security and Intelligence teams have also narrowed on other key suspects who are still at large and who include political leaders and businessmen inciting members of the public to engage in acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property," the CS said.
Tea plucking machines torched
Kindiki said nine green leaf plucking machines and trucks at Ekaterra Company in Kericho County have been torched.
"Motor vehicles, including one for the police and private tractors have also been damaged in unlawful acts of wanton destruction of property.
"Five (5) Police Officers, one (1) Journalist, and a youth were injured during the violent and unlawful protests, businesses around Brooke Shopping Centre were severely disrupted as well as traffic flow along the Nakuru-Kericho Highway," he said.
The CS further stated that to avert a repeat of the acts of lawlessness, security agencies in Kericho and Bomet counties will enforce the law firmly and decisively.
"The Government encourages and offers to facilitate peaceful resolution of any dispute(s) between tea farm owners, workers and the respective County Governments in an environment of law, order and tranquility," he added.
