Police disperse anti-Barchok protesters in Bomet, arrest former MCA aspirant

A former MCA believed to have taken part in anti-governor Hillary Barchock's demo has been arrested.

Bomet police arrested former Silibwet MCA aspirant Bildad Cheruiyot after running battles that saw shops and businesses shut in Bomet town.

Transport on the Bomet-Narok highway was disrupted with buses and matatus drivers preferring to park their vehicles to avoid injuries to passengers and vehicles being damaged.

The protesters blocked the highway by setting tyres on fire causing a heavy gridlock.

They claim Governor Barchok has failed to provide strong and focused leadership.

Cheruiyot told reporters he will not be intimidated into silence and that the people of Bomet are entitled to services.

"We will stand with the people to ensure that pertinent issues they raised are addressed. If the elected leaders are not solving our problems, we will air our views on our behalf until we see changes," said Bildad.

He alleged that the county administration is using the police to frustrate the demonstrators in a bid to prevent them from raising issues affecting the people of Bomet County.

“The county government leadership should know that we will continue with the demonstrations every Wednesday so that the locals can get the value of their money in terms of accountability,” he noted.

The former aspirant wondered why the police were using excessive force on them.

He cited unpaid salaries for casual workers and employees for Bomet Water and Sanitation Company, the shortage of water, and the poor road network in Bomet as some of the reasons for the protest.

“We have tried to use all the means to air our grievances but all in vain that is why we have resorted to demonstrations as enshrined in the constitution,” he remarked.

He also alleged that the current dumping site by the county has exposed the people living around the area, especially St Michael Secondary School, Bomet University College and neighbouring villages to risk of contracting cholera.

Their sentiments come at a time when Members of the Bomet County Assembly threatened to impeach area Governor Hillary Barchok, two weeks ago.

Through their spokesman Singorwet MCA Josphat  Kipkirui, said as the county assembly, they have diligently fulfilled their duties by approving the necessary laws and regulations to facilitate the function of the executive by accommodating governors' concerns.

“Despite our efforts, the governor has failed in his mandated duties and our attempts to seek redress are often dismissed,” he said.

But in a quick rejoinder, Barchok during a function in Konoin Sub County dismissed critics saying he will not be distracted by a few individuals who are out to derail his development agendas.

“Let them talk but I am continuing with my constitutional mandate to deliver on the pledges I made to the people of Bomet,” said Barchok.