The fight against political violence cannot succeed if suspects arrested over attacks and destruction are quickly released, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has said, placing part of the blame on the Judiciary.
Cheruiyot claimed courts have been releasing people accused of violent acts during protests on low bail terms, with some allegedly securing their freedom after paying as little as Sh500.
Speaking at his home in Ainamoi, Kericho County, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, he said the practice has left police officers frustrated and made it difficult for security agencies to deal with people involved in political violence.
“The judiciary also must be alive to this conversation. And they have been part and parcel to apetty criminal activities during protests. You know, you find somebody; they have been found stoning others and doing certain things that are not right. When they are presented before courts, they are released for Ksh500 ,” Cheruiyot said.
He argued that the Judiciary should be part of the wider effort to stop political violence instead of leaving the responsibility entirely to the police and other security agencies.
According to Cheruiyot, officers who arrest suspects only to see them released soon after being taken to court are left discouraged in their efforts to maintain order.
“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?” he posed.
Cheruiyot said suspects accused of violent crimes should face appropriate consequences and called for increased pressure on the courts to take a tougher approach.
“The pressure we need to exert is on the Judiciary,” he said.
The Senate Majority Leader also waded into the dispute surrounding the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) tendering process, taking issue with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's criticism of the procurement process.
Cheruiyot dismissed Gachagua's concerns as politically motivated and claimed the former deputy president was acting on behalf of firms competing for the tender.
“Former Deputy President Rigathi is actually an active agent for competitors in that particular tender. You know he has a culture of being a tenderpreneur. That is how he has made his money. That’s why there is now, all of a sudden, this conversation about this company and that other company,” Cheruiyot claimed.
His comments come amid continued concern over political violence and allegations that hired groups are being used to disrupt protests and political activities.