The suspect is alleged to have established an illegal police post in Uasin Gishu, painted it with police colours without the knowledge of National Police Service. PHOTO | COURTESY
Police in Uasin Gishu are on the spot after an Eldoret controversial-trader-cum-political-activist established a police station and branded it with police colours without their knowledge and the approval of the Inspector-General.
Mr Collins Letting, a controversial trader who had a run-in with the law, has shocked residents of Chebarus area, near Cengalo Forest, and along Lessos-Kapsabet road, for establishing the illegal patrol base.
According to residents, Mr Letting, alias Chepkulei, established the station at Cherus Centre, Kesses Sub-County, which he has been using to terrorise residents, especially those found in possession of unlicensed timber products from Cengalo Forest.
Ironically even the area chief, in charge of the Ndungulu Location, was not aware that the station was illegal.
The station, which has detention cells and an office, is said to have existed for more than six months.
Police said they discovered the illegal facility on March 8 and reported the matter to Kamuyu Police Post under OB04/08/03/2025.
“We were surprised to find a fully set-up facility painted in police colours, yet no authorisation had been granted for such an establishment in this area,” the police report reads in part.
According to the National Police Service Act 2014, only the Inspector General of Police has the authority to designate police stations, patrol bases, and other administrative and operational command areas in Kenya.
It is not clear why Mr Letting, who was a close ally of a former MP, took it upon himself to establish the station.
Due to his association with prominent people in the area, residents were hoodwinked to believe that it was a genuine police station.
"I am shocked to learn that this was not a legitimate police station. If this is where we have reached (as a country), then as civilians we are not safe,” said a resident of Ndungulu village who sought anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
Police have assured residents that appropriate action will be taken as they continue with their investigations.
Uasin Gishu County police commander Benjamin Mwanthi said security officers from Kesses sub-County had embarked on investigations to ascertain the motive behind the incident.
Mr Mwanthi has assured shocked residents of their safety as investigations continue.
“A team of security officers from the area are expected to visit the location of the said fake police station to get more information about the same, right now I have no information about the said fake police station,” said Mr Mwanthi.
Mr Mwanthi said the security team led by Kesses OCPD is expected to meet locals over the same on Monday.
