Baringo MPs demand armed guards for chiefs in chang’aa den raids

What you need to know:

  • Baringo North MP accuses the county administration of abandoning chiefs in crackdown.
  • Governor Benjamin Cheboi called for the amendment of the Constitution to give chiefs powers to enforce laws.

More than six MPs in Baringo County have asked chiefs not to raid illicit liquor dens unless they are supported by armed security men.

Baringo North MP William Cheptumo accused the county administration of abandoning chiefs in the crackdown on illicit brews and exposing them to danger.

Speaking at the AIC Kabartonjo on Saturday during a church service for the slain chief Jeremiah Kendele Chepkwony, the MP said chiefs should be given armed security.

Mr Chepkwony was stabbed to death a week ago by a brewer in a notorious drinking den in Ossen area of Baringo North Sub-County.

The chief, a former Administration Police (AP) officer, was in the company of a colleague when he attempted to arrest a notorious brewer when things turned tragic.

MEDICAL COVER

“We are not prepared to lose another administrator through such heinous acts.

“We order all chiefs in this county not to obey commands from county administration to conduct crackdown on illicit brews if they are not accompanied by police officers,” Mr Cheptumo said.

He promised to push for a constitutional amendment to enable chiefs get medical insurance and risk allowances to protect them in their duties.

Governor Benjamin Cheboi too called for the amendment of the Constitution to give chiefs powers to enforce laws.

The killing came barely a week after another chief escaped death narrowly in Mochongoi in Baringo South Sub-County after assailants attacked him and burnt his house. The chief has gone into hiding, fearing for his life.

According to Baringo County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo, chiefs involved in such dangerous operations should be accompanied by at least five policemen.

“That is the standard practice. We will ensure that this is adhered to in future to avert such disasters. No amount of intimidation and threats will stop the government in its fight against illicit brews,” said Mr Okwanyo.

The government rolled out a countrywide crackdown on illicit drinks over a month ago following a public outcry that it was ruining the youth.

Others who addressed the gathering were Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central), Moses Lessonet (Eldama Ravine), Asman Kamama (Tiaty), Grace Kiptui (Woman Representative), Grace Kipchoim (Baringo South) and county administrators.