Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued directives on Monday for a crackdown on individuals involved in organizing and funding the disruptions witnessed during President William Ruto’s visit to Kericho and Bomet counties over the weekend in the Rift Valley.
“The security team is tasked with reining in incidents of disorderly conduct in political meetings, concluding investigations, and apprehending the organizers, financiers, and perpetrators of hooliganism in the county, irrespective of their political or social status,” announced the CS on Monday.
Addressing the Kericho County Security Management Team, Kindiki commended their efforts in law enforcement and crime prevention but emphasized the unacceptability of disorderly conduct and violence in political gatherings despite a decrease in overall crime statistics.
“You must expeditiously conclude investigations into the recent incidents and apprehend all persons who organize, finance, and orchestrate hooliganism in the county,” urged Kindiki.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Deputy President Rigathu Gachagua expressed his intention to convene a meeting with leaders from the Rift Valley to address reported political tensions in the region.
“I’m going to invite all leaders from South and North Rift Valley to get a better explanation why some people from the region are heckling leaders in presidential functions,” stated Gachagua.
He lamented the disruptions during the presidential tour in Kericho and Bomet, emphasizing that such behavior overshadowed the positive aspects of the visit.
Gachagua urged regional leaders to cease internal power struggles, reminding them that the 2027 general elections are still distant.
“Why should one hire youths to heckle those in office… if you think they have failed, wait until elections are called and vote them out,” remarked Gachagua.
Kindiki’s statements came following an early morning consultative forum with the Kericho County Security and Intelligence Committee, led by County Commissioner Gabriel Kitiyo, focusing on the Nationwide Crackdown on the manufacture, distribution, sale, and consumption of illicit liquor, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances.
