Uasin Gishu: Human rights activists fear for their lives, seek protection

Human rights activists in Uasin Gishu County are worried about their safety, alleging that unknown individuals are following them home and threatening their lives due to their anti-drug abuse efforts. Led by Kimutai Kirui and Benson Juma Akumu, the activists reported receiving information about plans to harm them in retaliation for their campaign against illegal drugs.

Speaking to journalists in Eldoret on November 1, 2026, Kirui claimed that some individuals were intending to plant drugs on him to provoke legal trouble. "Our lives are in danger, and we are trying to assist the government in the fight against drugs," Kirui stated. "We have reported this issue to the sub-county security team and intelligence officers in Turbo, and have also written to the Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, for intervention before the situation worsens."

Kirui elaborated that the group planned to hold demonstrations demanding action against drug trafficking and abuse, with more than 500 people expected to participate. They had already garnered support from hundreds of people seeking authorities to address drug concerns in the region. The activists expressed dissatisfaction with the response to their concerns, urging security agencies to take their complaints seriously.

Akumu alleged that he had been informed his colleague was being targeted, prompting them to publicly raise the alarm. He said they had reported the alleged threats to Naiberi Police Station in Uasin Gishu County, emphasizing that their campaign aimed at addressing drug abuse and safeguarding communities, not engaging in wrongdoing.

"We must speak so the world knows we've raised these concerns and that our lives are in danger," Akumu remarked, translating to "Let us speak so the world knows that we have raised these concerns and that our lives are in danger, not because we have done anything wrong, but because we have spoken about the existence of illegal drugs."

The activists appealed to security agencies to intervene and provide protection while continuing their campaign against drug abuse in Uasin Gishu.