The Senate Committee on National Security has been asked to provide a statement over alleged police brutality during the tea farmers’ protest in Bomet last week.
One man was shot dead and several others injured during the protests on September 18 at Mogogosiek tea factory in Konoin.
In his petition before the House, Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei alleged that the security officers responded with excessive force including the use of live ammunition.
The farmers were protesting against the low tea bonuses from the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
"This tragic incident led to the death of Robert Chepkwony, a 27-year-old from Chepkitach Kimiri village, and injuries to others, including Japhet Kipkirui Towett, who was shot in the thigh, and 17-year-old Gilbert Kipyegon, who now has a bullet lodged in his knee," Sigei said.
Sigei called for a detailed account of the events, specifically the police’s role, and whether officers followed protocols for handling protests.
He also seeks an update on the investigation into the incident, accountability measures for the officers involved, and information on compensation for the victims and the family of the deceased.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has already opened investigations into the incident.
A team of officers from the agency visited the county last week to record statements from the witnesses including the security officers.
They are set to establish whether to prefer charges against the officer involved.
Some of the family members who spoke to the media said the deceased was not part of the protesters and wondered why he became the target.
“He was at work, he was not part of the demonstrators, in fact, he was standing some kilometres away from where the group was,” Michael Chepkwony, a brother, said.
Bomet County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga on his part, however, maintains that Chepkwony was among the people who were disrupting peace and who were planning the protests.
This, while stating that the matter is under active probe by both the internal affairs and IPOA.
During the demonstrations at the factory, farmers stormed the factory and destroyed property.
The farmers are expressing dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a lack of transparency and fairness in the process.
"We work hard every season, but we see little reward for our efforts," said one of the farmers.
"We want to know why our bonuses fluctuate year after year yet they are high in other regions."