Man Behind Kesses Illegal Police Station Speaks Up
A businessman in Uasin Gishu has publicly stated that he established an unauthorized police station, complete with official police colors and holding cells, due to escalating crime and the government’s slow response in providing a legitimate police presence.
Collins Leitich, also known as Chepkulei, aged 26, claims that local police leadership was aware of and approved his efforts to enhance security in the Cherus market area of Kesses Sub County.
Images of the makeshift police station spread rapidly on social media, prompting public criticism of the government’s perceived security failings.
Leitich defended his actions, attributing them to the high levels of crime and the lack of a proper police station, despite the community having gone through the necessary consultation processes.
Leitich asserted that he consulted with local police officials, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and the county commander, before renting and painting the building with National Police Service (NPS) colors. He expressed surprise at their subsequent claims that the station was “fake” and “illegal.”
He stated that he and the local OCS had discussed the security situation and agreed that he would fund the station’s establishment.
He used his personal funds to renovate the building and pay the rent. Contrary to reports of the station operating for six months, Leitich and local residents confirmed it had only been active for four days.
“I am a businessman doing genuine business both locally and internationally and I discussed the issue of establishing the station with local police officers, and we agreed that I would sponsor the station to enhance security in our area, and even the area chief was aware,” Leitich said.
He added that he had arranged to pay the landlord 4,000 Kenyan shillings per month while the community sought land for a permanent location. Leitich also revealed that he had traveled to Vigilance House to file a complaint with the Inspector General (IG) regarding the handling of the situation. “As we speak now I am in the office of IG to register my complaints over the same,” he added.
Local residents supported Leitich’s initiative, praising it as a necessary response to the rising crime rates. Isaac Maiyo, the Cherus market chairman, stated, “The initiative to establish an unauthorised police Patrol Base at Chebooror by Mr Leitich is welcomed for the sake of security in this area.”
He urged the government to recognize the station and deploy police officers. “Government delayed establishing a police station here. Cases of insecurity in this area are increasing, what we want is a police station, not security politics,” Maiyo said. Viola Samoei, another resident, warned against Leitich’s arrest, claiming that the local OCS and other security officials had visited the premises before it was painted. “The level of criminal activities in this area is at an alarming rate. The idea by our son to support the government to establish a police station was prudent and whoever is opposing it is an enemy of this area,” she said.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi refuted claims that the station had been operational for six months, stating it was only recently established.
He acknowledged that local officers were aware of the building’s repainting but criticized the residents for bypassing the proper procedures. “The only person who authorises the establishment of a patrol base is the Deputy Inspector General,” Mwanthi said, adding that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was investigating the matter.
He encouraged residents to identify land for a legitimate police base.
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Man Behind Kesses Illegal Police Station Speaks Up
