Uasin Gishu: Popular Fake Police Station Turned into Bar as Residents Decry Insecurity
- Residents of Cherus Centre in Kesses, Uasin Gishu county, voiced frustration after a building initially donated for a police station was repurposed into a bar
- Authorities reportedly declined to operationalise the facility as a police station, citing procedural irregularities, leading the owner to lease it for alcohol sales instead
- Locals have raised alarm over rising insecurity in the area, calling on the government to construct a properly recognised police station to curb crime and improve safety
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Uasin Gishu — What was once a symbol of hope for enhanced security has now become a cause for concern in Cherus, Kesses constituency, and residents are demanding answers.
Source: UGC
The residents urged the government to construct an official police station in their area following a twist in the fate of a previously donated building.
The structure, which had briefly operated as an unapproved police post before being shut down, has now been converted into a bar.
Locals explained that the building was originally donated by community members with the hope that it would be used by the police to enhance security in the area.
Why was Cheboror Patrol Base turned into a bar?
However, authorities declined to take up the facility, reportedly citing improper procedures in how it was established.
"The owner of the said house rented it out to another businessman to turn it into a bar. That’s why it has changed from Cheboror Patrol Base to Cheboror Base Bar. Earlier, we donated it so that the police could use it and help us with security," one resident recounted.
Source: Facebook
With their original hopes dashed, locals expressed dismay that their generous offer was rejected by the government, yet no alternative steps have been taken to meet their security needs.
"So we are wondering why the government turned down the offer, yet they cannot build us an actual police station," another local added.
The community is now grappling with increased incidents of insecurity, including theft. They say the lack of an operational police post has emboldened criminals.
"The other day, a car was stolen here and we regretted that, had there been a police station, the thieves would have been arrested and brought to justice. We really need a police station. The people of Cherus are requesting security. If the government is hearing this, we are asking for help," another concerned resident lamented.
The residents are now renewing their plea for the government to intervene and prioritise their safety by establishing a fully functional and officially recognised police station in the area.
Was the man behind Cheboror Patrol Base arrested?
Collins Leitich, also known as Chepkulei, was at the centre of controversy after reports claimed he had been arrested for setting up the fake police station.
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In a previous story covered by TUKO.co.ke, he denied being taken into custody, clarifying that the police only advised him on the correct procedures.
He commended the officers for their understanding and said they recognised his intentions to help the community.
Leitich acknowledged that he had not followed the proper channels before setting up the post, saying that the initiative was meant to address local security needs, not to break the law.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
