Drama as brewer chases away 12 chiefs to avoid arrest

There was drama at a village in Bomet County yesterday after a brewer turned against chiefs during a raid.

Twelve chiefs and members of Nyumba Kumi scampered for safety after the Kwenikab Ilet village brewer drew a bow and arrows and started shooting at them.

Ndaraweta location chief Zephania Koech, who led the raid, said the brewer had evaded arrest for a long time.

“We got wind that he had pitched tent at the village and was selling illicit brews to youth. I mobilised colleague from neighbouring locations and we carried out raid, but he was very hostile,” said Mr Koech.

He said the brewer assaulted one of the Nyumba Kumi members during the raid.

Village elder Joseph Langat was attacked with a machete by the brewer.

The chiefs had to take refuge at a tea plantation as they waited for reinforcement from administration police officers.

After the police arrived, the brewer tried to escape by swimming across Kipsonoi River and hiding in a tea plantation.

It took the intervention of seven armed police officers to arrest him after a three-hour manhunt.

Koech said they did not involve the police initially because some brewers colluded with officers who took bribes.

“Every time we take them to the police, they are released the following day,” he said.