Kericho and Bomet counties have been at odds over the mechanization of tea production and politics, and the fighting shows no signs of stopping.
Today, Governor Eric Mutai just averted death after being chased like a stray dog by angry citizens who have been out in the streets for three days and counting and have refused to listen to him.
As the UDA lawmaker was carried away by the governor’s security detail, residents yelled insults and “enda kabi9sa, enda” from the streets. Dr. Mutai, anticipating danger, was compelled to hurry to his far-away car, which he feared the angry people would vandalize.
While campaigning against former energy cabinet secretary Charles Keter, who Mutai defeated on a sympathy vote, Mutai made a promise to eliminate all machines from Kericho’s tea companies. Keter was found to have no property, explaining the locals’ animosity.
Many people believe the governor lied about getting rid of the tea-plucking equipment and/or slept with the management in order to get an advantage in the ongoing contest.
He presided over a meeting with other Kericho chiefs, the results of which have not been made public.
Hillary Barchok, the governor of Bomet, is another figure on the minds of the populace. He now dwells in a house donated by James Finlays, but the citizens of Bomet want him to leave so that he can take a public stance on the conflict.
