"Family's Nightmare: Demolition Drama Unfolds in Uasin Gishu County"

A chilling saga has unfolded in the Ziwa area of Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, where a family of six now lives in constant fear following a shocking incident that has rocked their lives to the core.

Claiming to be law enforcement agents, a group armed with pistols and makeshift weapons descended upon the village of Kapubeywet, leaving destruction and despair in their wake. Shem Kiplagat Kimaiyo, along with his wife Lucy Kimaiyo and their daughter, now find themselves homeless, their once tranquil existence shattered by the harrowing events that transpired.

The ordeal began when a contingent of more than 40 individuals, accompanied by purported police officers, stormed their community unannounced one Saturday morning. Shem Kiplagat Kimaiyo, the head of the household, recounted how he was handcuffed and his residence, valued at approximately Ksh 3 million, was ruthlessly demolished. The trauma was compounded as their three children fled in terror, fearing for their lives.

Recalling his terrifying experience, Kimaiyo detailed being forcibly taken to an undisclosed location by these assailants, who demanded ransom for his release. Faced with such egregious violations, Kimaiyo reluctantly sought recourse with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at the Central Police Station in Eldoret. His faith in local law enforcement shattered, Kimaiyo voiced his dismay over the complicity of the Ziwa Police Station, overseen by Area Chief Jonah Ruto of Sirikwa location.

The genesis of this tragedy lies in a longstanding land dispute, exacerbated by encroachments on the property inherited by Kimaiyo and his siblings from their late father, Jonathan Sirorey. Despite attempts to resolve the matter internally, the family found themselves embroiled in conflict.

In the wake of this appalling incident, human rights advocate Kimutai Kirui has vehemently denounced the wanton destruction and implored governmental intervention to address the underlying dispute. Calling upon the Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, Kirui demanded swift action against the culpable officers.

“It is regrettable that officers from the implicated police station have succumbed to bribery, perverting justice within Soy Sub-county. In this instance, they were complicit in an unlawful demolition and must face disciplinary measures,” he asserted resolutely.

The plight of the Kimaiyo family serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by ordinary citizens in the face of land disputes and abuse of power, underscoring the urgent need for justice and accountability in Uasin Gishu County.