A section of Kisii-Narok highway was temporarily closed for over three hours due to protests that turned chaotic between two groups.
Speaking to the press, residents voiced their concerns emphasizing that the demonstrations started peacefully. However, tensions escalated when it was alleged that the Bomet county governor Hillary Barchok had reportedly brought individuals from Kericho and Narok counties to disrupt the peaceful protest.
“It was a peaceful demonstration until governor Barchok brought goons from Kericho and Narok counties,” a resident noted.
During the unrest, shops along the highway were shut down for safety reasons as individuals pelted stones in the area.
The protestors highlighted that the main issue at hand was the poor quality of water being provided to their households.
Further, they claimed that the water was contaminated and had led to illnesses, especially among children in the area. Moreover, they expressed dismay that the same polluted water was being used in local hotels and establishments, posing a health risk to the entire community.
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According to Geoffrey Rono, a businessman in Bomet town, the residents had asked for permission to peacefully protest because they haven’t had clean water for more than 4 months.
In addition, one of the residents Cosmas Korir urged the governor to address their concerns including lack of electricity and the growing garbage problem in the town, hoping that these issues will be resolved soon for well-being of the community.
“We have no power, water, and we are dealing with garbage problems in Bomet. That’s why we’re asking our governor to listen to us,” Korir noted.
Angry Residents Stage Demos
Earlier in the year, residents staged demonstrations demanding the resignation of Governor Hillary Barchok.
The angry residents had lit bonfires along the Bomet Highway, blocking the busy road that connects Bomet to Kericho and Nakuru Counties in February.
During their protests, the residents had accused the governor of misusing county funds and had demanded his immediate removal from office.
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Police officers who had to intervene to control the unruly crowd that had threatened to storm Barchok’s office.
Consequently, in November last year, Governor Barchok appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ to explain the County’s pending bills that had allegedly been inflated by Ksh204 million.
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