Uasin Gishu residents are up in arms after a gang attacked Eldoret City City manager Tito Koiyet, leaving him injured.
Koiyet is from Kesses subcounty where elders and youth have demanded an explanation from Governor Jonathan Bii on why goons were allowed to gain entry into a county office and attack the officer.
The group from Kesses, led by Donald Chemwol and Noah Chepsiror, said they were angered by the attack which came just few weeks after the county suspended two chief officers who are also from the same subcounty.
“We are wondering why we are being targeted and systematically sidelined by the county government yet we also voted for Governor Bii,” Chepsiror said.
The group claimed that the county security officers and the City Board chairman Julius Kitur who were present during the attack, did nothing to protect Koiyet.
“It’s clear that what happened was planned within the county. We wonder why the county bosses could not simply order Koiyet to leave office if that is what they wanted,” Chemwol said.
The attack has been linked to leadership wrangles at the board where top positions are to be advertised for fresh recruitment.
Kitur however condemned the attack, adding that he had worked well with Koiyet.
Koiyet was injured after a gang of youth raided his office in a bid to evict him from office over unexplained issues.
He was roughed up by some of the youth who accessed his office at the county social hall. Police and county security officers were called in to restore order at the offices following the commotion.
Bii’s administration through acting county secretary Ambrose Tarus, disowned groups of goons accused of harassing staff, some leaders and the business community.
“The county government is not associated with any criminal gangs and has taken action to ensure security at all county installations and offices,” he said.
The official said those involved in the attack on Koiyet would be dealt with. Koiyet said he been treated and discharged.
“I have recorded a statement at the Eldoret Central police station and police will deal with the matter,” he said, adding that he was not aware why the youth attacked him.
“Police will handle the details and those who did it will explain.” Tarus said the cause of the attack would be traced and action taken against the culprits.
He said they were working with the police to enhance security and also deal with the gangs operating in the city. Sections of the bussiness community have also complained over harrassment by gangs which have also been collecting money from residents illegally.
Tarus said the county was dissapointed by the attack on Koiyet which took place as the city board chairman was holding a meeting within the same premises.
“As a city board we are now taking necessary steps to streamline all operations in the city to comply with the law,” Kitur said.
