Belgut MP Nelson Koech grilled over invasion of multinational tea farms in Kericho

The legislator joins the list of leaders grilled at the Rift Valley Regional DCI Headquarters in Nakuru. Others who have been questioned include Kericho Governor Dr Eric Mutai, Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat and Kapsoit MCA Paul Chirchir, among others.

Five WhatsApp administrators and two residents linked to the destruction were also grilled in the past two weeks.

Speaking after his grilling, Koech said he recorded a statement on what he knew following the summons he was issued on June 8, 2023.

Koech said he was urged by the security agency to preach peace and allow police to continue with investigations.

The MP said since the matter was under investigation he could not reveal what he recorded at the DCI.

He condemned the torching, theft and destruction of machines and electronics that happened at the multinational tea farms, saying youths should use alternative ways to resolve their disputes.

He insisted that a balance had to be found between creating jobs for the people of Kericho and also enhancing machine usage to improve productivity and efficiency.

According to Koech, the introduction of machines should be minimized to ensure the main source of labour is the residents living near the tea farms.

Koech condemned elders who want the companies to leave the tea farms under the management of the residents.

So far MCA Chirchir has been arraigned in court over the destruction. He is out on a Ksh.1 million bond as police investigate him.

The invasion occurred at tea farms in Brooke on May 22, 23 and 24, 2023, leading to the loss of Ksh.189,487,923.

The youths allegedly torched 10 jumbo shades, eight hand mechanical harvesters, self-propelled machines, social hall, a weighbridge, tractor and television.