The peaceful town of Kapsabet, Nandi County, erupted in tension and unrest on Tuesday as residents flocked to the County Assembly grounds in protest, demanding the immediate impeachment of Governor Stephen Sang. What began as a relatively calm gathering quickly spiraled into a full-scale demonstration, as protesters decried the governor’s alleged financial mismanagement and corruption.
Amid the escalating protests, police attempted to disperse the crowd by deploying tear gas, but the protesters held firm, refusing to vacate the premises. Senator Samson Cherargei, addressing the situation on social media, condemned the police’s actions, claiming that they had instigated “rioting by throwing tear gas to peaceful public” and infringing upon Kenyans’ constitutional rights.
A Groundswell of Frustration in Nandi County
The movement against Governor Sang has gained momentum in recent weeks, with frustration over issues of alleged financial mismanagement and corruption hitting a boiling point. Onlookers described the event as unprecedented, noting the strength of residents’ resolve. The slogans shouted by protesters — “UDA kwisha! Governor Sang must go!” — echoed throughout Kapsabet, a clear indication of the people’s dissatisfaction with the county leadership.
Nandi County residents’ demand for Sang’s impeachment comes on the heels of recent revelations pointing to alleged fiscal irresponsibility and corruption within the county government. The protest began on the outskirts of Kapsabet but quickly grew in size, drawing people from across the county who rallied at the County Assembly grounds. Banners and placards waved in the air as demonstrators marched through the streets, bringing traffic and businesses in the usually serene town to a standstill.
Police Response Sparks Tension
As the protest gained traction, police forces were deployed to the County Assembly grounds in a bid to disperse the crowd. However, instead of restoring order, the police intervention further fueled tensions. According to Senator Cherargei, officers deployed tear gas on what he described as a “peaceful public,” an action that he contends was an unwarranted response to citizens exercising their constitutional rights under Article 37, which guarantees the freedom of assembly, demonstration, picketing, and petition.
“I thank the people of Nandi County for being peaceful despite this unnecessary provocation by the police. I am taking up with the IG Kanja on this blatant violation of Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya,” Senator Cherargei said in a public statement.
The senator’s response has intensified scrutiny on the police’s handling of the protests, with local leaders and residents alike calling for accountability. This is not the first time police have been accused of using excessive force in managing public gatherings, an issue that continues to stoke debate over police reform in Kenya.
The Public’s Outcry: A Call for Accountability
Many of those gathered at the protest shared stories of frustration and hardship they claim stem from the county’s alleged mismanagement. Residents accuse Governor Sang’s administration of redirecting county funds intended for development projects into the pockets of officials, leaving critical infrastructure, such as roads, health facilities, and schools, grossly underfunded.
“We are tired of being neglected. Our governor was supposed to serve us, but instead, we’re seeing projects halted, funds disappearing, and the county government operating with little transparency,” remarked one protester.
The crowd’s demands reflect a growing trend of civic action within Kenya, where citizens are increasingly holding their elected leaders accountable for corruption. Civil society groups, both local and national, have been vocal in supporting the Nandi residents, calling for a full investigation into the alleged financial misdeeds.
Unyielding Protesters Remain Defiant
Despite the police’s use of tear gas, the protestors have vowed to remain at the County Assembly grounds until their demands are met. Reports from local media indicate that a few protesters were injured as a result of the tear gas, and some were treated at nearby medical facilities. Yet, the demonstrators’ resolve appears unshaken.
“We are not going anywhere until Governor Sang is removed from office,” stated one protester, adding that they are prepared to keep protesting for days, or even weeks, if necessary.
The continued standoff raises concerns over how authorities plan to de-escalate the situation without further violating citizens’ rights. Leaders like Senator Cherargei have urged calm while also condemning the police’s approach, calling on Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to investigate and hold officers accountable for what he deemed a “blatant violation” of constitutional rights.
Political Implications for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
The protest in Nandi County has also stirred political tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the party under which Governor Sang was elected. Some residents and political analysts suggest that the ongoing unrest could signal waning support for the UDA in the region, especially if the party is seen as not adequately addressing the concerns of the people.
“UDA kwisha” (“UDA is finished”) was one of the chants heard from the protesters, underscoring growing dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of leadership at the county level. This slogan, coupled with widespread demands for Sang’s ouster, could have far-reaching implications for the party’s support base in the Rift Valley, traditionally a UDA stronghold.
What Lies Ahead?
As Kapsabet grapples with these unprecedented protests, questions remain about how the standoff will be resolved and what it means for the future of leadership in Nandi County. Will Governor Sang step down in response to public pressure, or will county officials find other ways to address residents’ grievances? Moreover, with Senator Cherargei now involved, the protest could also evolve into a wider discussion about governance, accountability, and police reform in Kenya.
Senator Cherargei’s statement, coupled with the steadfast demands of the protesters, reflects a county determined to pursue accountability. The coming days may well be decisive for both Governor Sang and Nandi County, as Kenyans watch to see how this chapter of political unrest unfolds.
A Call for Justice and Change
As night fell over Kapsabet, the protesters continued to hold their ground, undeterred by the police presence and determined to make their voices heard. With banners held high and chants filling the air, they represent a growing movement within Kenya — a movement of citizens no longer willing to remain silent in the face of alleged corruption and poor governance.
This protest serves as a powerful reminder of the constitutional rights guaranteed to every Kenyan and highlights the importance of holding public officials accountable. Whether or not this movement results in the impeachment of Governor Sang, it has already succeeded in amplifying the voices of the people, making it clear that Nandi County will not settle for anything less than transparent, accountable governance.
For a broader perspective on the legal implications of this protest, see our article on Kenya’s Constitutional Right to Peaceful Assembly.
