The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of a man during protests by tea farmers in Mogogosiek, Konoin, Bomet, on Wednesday.
Robert Kiplangat Chepkwony reportedly died from a gunshot wound that struck his chest.
Several others sustained injuries during the demonstrations organized by local farmers in response to low bonus payments from the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
IPOA CEO Elema Halake confirmed they are looking into the incident and have already reached out to local police for information about what transpired.
Halake mentioned that a team will be sent to collect statements from witnesses. “A Rapid Response Team will be dispatched from Nakuru this morning to initiate the investigations,” he said.
Chepkwony’s body is currently at the Kapkatet hospital morgue in Kericho, awaiting a postmortem examination.
Family members stated that the deceased was not part of the protests, raising questions about why he was targeted. “He was at work, standing kilometers away from the demonstrators,” said his brother, Michael Chepkwony.
However, Bomet County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga insisted that Chepkwony was involved in the unrest and was among those planning the protests. He added that both the internal affairs unit and IPOA are actively investigating the matter. “The investigators are on it. The family is welcome to provide any information they have, and we will also share what we find,” he stated.
During the protests at the Mogogosiek tea factory, farmers stormed the facility, causing damage to property. This follows similar incidents at the Kapkoros and Motigo tea factories.
While official rates for the 54 KTDA tea factories have yet to be announced, sources indicate that farmers in the region may receive between Sh20 and Sh25 per kilogram of green leaves delivered through June.
Farmers are voicing concerns over what they see as a lack of transparency and fairness in the bonus distribution process. “We work hard every season but see little return for our efforts,” one farmer expressed. Another added, “We want to understand why our bonuses fluctuate annually while those in other regions remain high.”
The protests have drawn the attention of political leaders, including Konoin MP Brighton Yegon, who called for calm. He encouraged farmers to pursue alternative dispute-resolution methods. “I urge all farmers to exercise restraint. We will soon convene a forum to discuss bonus announcements, separation, and other related issues,” he stated.
