Governor Mutai questioned over invasion of tea firms

Mutai appeared before the detectives Tuesday morning

In Summary
  • He was accompanied by Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei who also received the summon.
  • Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat and MCAs Paul Chirchir (Kapsoit) and Mathews Korir (Chaik) are among the six others grilled on Monday.
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai.
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai.
Image: FILE

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai is among politicians questioned on Tuesday by detectives over the invasion of multinational tea companies in Kericho and Bomet.

They had been summoned on June 2, to appear at the regional DCI regional offices in Nakuru for statement recording.

Mutai appeared before the detectives Tuesday morning accompanied by Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei who also received the summon.

"We are going to address you later," the two told journalists.

Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat and MCAs Paul Chirchir (Kapsoit) and Mathews Korir (Chaik) are among the six others grilled on Monday.

"Detectives wanted to know what I did to stop the violence at Brooke trading centre in Ainamoi," Langat told reporters as he left.

Detectives are seeking to level charges against some individuals who are said to be behind the burning down of tea plucking machines belonging to Ekaterra and James Finlays tea in Kericho and Bomet.

"I have reasons to believe that you are connected or can provide information that is useful to the investigation," reads one of the letters date June 2.

"Failure to honour this summon will render you liable to prosecution under section 52(2) of the  National Police Act of 2011."

The summons were issued after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure accused politicians from the region of allegedly inciting the residents.

“Our investigations are leading us to political and business leaders who are supporting anarchy, looting and lawlessness in multi-national tea farms,” said Kindiki.

"They will be required to record statements before the respective County Security and Intelligence Committees in the coming days."

He also announced the government would deploy more security officers in the troubled tea farms to prevent criminal activities.

Ekaterra Tea has since suspended all its operations in the two counties citing rising insecurity.

"The safety of their people is of paramount importance to them. So they have suspended their operations until the law enforcement agencies can confirm that it is safe to resume their activities," a statement issued on May 23 by Kenya Tea Growers Association.

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star