UDA Politicians on the Spot Over Attacks on Tea Firms

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned a group of politicians and activists from the South Rift region to appear on Monday for interrogation concerning the invasion of multinational tea companies and the destruction of tea harvesting machines.

The group includes UDA party MPs, MCAs, and political activists from Bomet and Kericho counties who will provide statements to detectives at the Rift Valley Regional DCI headquarters in Nakuru City.

James Finlays Kenya and Ekaterra Plc have been heavily impacted by the raids on their plantations, the illegal harvesting of tea, and the burning of harvesting machines which has seen a journalist and 23 police officers injured and 5 residents sustaining gun wounds. In response to this insecurity, Ekaterra Plc has halted its operations in its estates, putting the jobs of 16,000 workers at risk. The DCI is investigating the arson cases as the leaders summoned are expected to provide further information.

“I have reason to believe that you are either connected with the said offence or have useful information that may assist us in our investigations,” the letter by the DCI reads in part. 

Politicians and activists will be required to document statements and table more details on the accusations levelled against them. The summons follows two days after reports surfaced, indicating that a Governor, two Members of Parliament, and three Municipal Councilors are among those being examined regarding the increasing insecurity in the tea industry in South Rift. One of the MPs who declined to speak publicly stated they had been asked to attend at the DCI offices in Nakuru.

“It is true that I have been summoned by the DCI and I will be appearing to state the facts as I know them since I have been one of those who have been preaching peace in the area since the cases of rising insecurity were reported,” the UDA MP said.