On February 18, the deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, revealed that a top police commander in Nakuru had been removed after supervising a demolition exercise without contacting his superiors.
The DP denounced the crime, calling it brutal and unfair to the community, while speaking at a food distribution event for the victims in Rongai Constituency.
Gachagua emphasized that the police commander ought to have prevented the demolitions and instead safeguarded the victims and their belongings.
The commander was criticized by the tough-talking second-in-command for moving through with an operation without consulting the county security committee and intelligence service.
The DP also stated that he had ordered Japhet Koome, the Inspector General of Police, to discipline the commander.
“I almost cried when I saw what occurred here. How can you defend those trashing public property while they are armed with weapons intended to keep the populace safe?
Action will be done after the commander has been called to account. DP Gachagua stated during his visit to the scene that he had informed the IG that the victims needed to receive compensation.
Gachagua provided emergency food to those who had been rendered homeless following the demolitions on February 16 and had no else to stay. Also, he offered iron sheets to assist the victims in building new homes.
An investor showed up at the scene and claimed to be the legitimate owner of the disputed property, having received an eviction order.
Paul Chebor, a local member of parliament, claimed earlier in the week that he was taking the lead in attempting to reach an understanding between the impacted parties and the private investor.
On February 16, rumours of a restructuring of the security apparatus in Nakuru County appeared, with sources claiming that a commander who had just been delegated to the region had been brought back.
When contacted for comment, Police Spokeswoman Resila Atieno declined, citing that the National Police Service’s “Human Resource” division handled the matter.
