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{
    "id": 1476734,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1476734/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 56,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Wakili Sigei",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.53 (1) to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations regarding the use of excessive force by police officers against demonstrators in Bomet County, which led to the death of one Mr. Robert Chepkwon and injuries to several others. Some small-scale tea farmers in Bomet County came out in their numbers on 18th September, 2024, to demonstrate against perceived exploitation and low tea bonuses. However, the demonstrators were met with a brutal response from the police who deployed forceful measures, including the use of live ammunition to disperse them. This tragic action led to the death of Robert Chepkwony, a 27-year-old resident of Chepkitach in Kimori Village and caused injuries to several others. Among the injured persons were Mr. Japheth Kipkirui Towet, a 32-year-old resident of Chepkesio Village who sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh, and Mr. Gilbert Kipyegon, a 17-year-old boy of Chemusore Village, all from Mogogosiek Ward, who still has a bullet lodged in his knee. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this tragic incident has sparked outrage within the community, highlighting deep-seated issues between the tea farmers and players in the tea processing sector and raises serious concerns about the way law enforcement officers handle public demonstrations. I, therefore, request the committee in the statement to- (1) Provide a detailed account of the events that led to the killing of Mr. Robert Chepkwony and injuries to others during the demonstrations by small-scale tea farmers on 18th September, 2024, specifically highlighting the involvement and use of police. (2) Explain the rationale for the use of force by police officers, stating whether they followed the established protocols for managing public protests. (3) The committee should provide a status update on the investigations into the tragic incident, outlining actions taken against the police officers involved as well as measures put in place to guarantee accountability. (4) Lastly, the committee requested to provide information on any support and/or compensation processes offered to the injured protesters and to the family of the late Mr. Chepkwony. I thank you."
}