Aaron Cheruiyot blames Judiciary for rise of goons, says courts too lenient

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has accused the Judiciary of contributing to the escalation of political violence by imposing lenient bail and bond conditions on those arrested for criminal acts. Speaking at his residence in Ainamoi, Kericho County, on August 29, 2026, Cheruiyot expressed concern that individuals accused of violence during protests are being released with minimal bail, as low as Ksh500.

This, he argued, frustrates police officers and hampers efforts to curb politically motivated aggression. "The judiciary also must be alive to this conversation. And they have been part and parcel to apetty criminal activities during protests," Cheruiyot stated. He emphasized that the responsibility to combat political violence should not solely fall on security agencies, but also on the Judiciary.

"Police are feeling frustrated with that. The ordinary citizens, all they have done and said is that let us allow IEBC to do its work. Why should we interfere as the political players?" Cheruiyot questioned. He further urged increased pressure on the courts to ensure suspects accused of violent crimes face the appropriate consequences.

Cheruiyot also criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his criticism of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) procurement process. He dismissed Gachagua's concerns as politically motivated, suggesting that Gachagua had a vested interest in the procurement process due to his history as a "tenderpreneur."

Cheruiyot's comments come as concerns intensify over politically motivated violence and the alleged involvement of hired groups in disrupting protests and political activities.