Nandi governor Stephen Sang sought by police over destruction of tea farm

Police pursue Nandi governor Stephen Sang over destruction of tea farm

Charles Ouma

June 9, 2019 4:54 PM

Governor refutes reports of his arrests

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang leading residents in cutting and uprooting tea on the disputed piece of land on 7 June 2019

Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang has dismissed reports that he has been arrested.

A communication from the governor's press team maintained that the governor is not aware of any warrant of his arrest contrary to reports.

The governor is set to address the press tomorrow at 11:30 AM over the issue that has seen several leaders spek up against his actions.

Nandi County Police Commander Thomas Ngeiywa had earlier confirmed that police were pursuing the governor.

“We are looking for the governor who was at the tea estate on Friday evening and part of yesterday where some 1 acre of mature tea was destroyed,” Ngeiywa said on Saturday.

He is being sought in relation to Friday’s events in which he was caught on camera leading the public in destroying tea and harrassing the management of a tea farm in Nandi County.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang leading locals in destroying a tea plantation in Kibwari, Nandi Hills Pulse Live Kenya

Sang led a team of county officials and residents in storming the tea estate where tea bushes were allegedly destroyed, roughing up an employee of the farm in what he claimed is an effort to repossess some four acre piece of land allegedly grabbed from the community.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang leading residents in cutting and uprooting tea on the disputed piece of land on 7 June 2019 Pulse Live Kenya

During the raid, Sang’s team was armed with a power saw and a caterpillar the governor led his team in uprooting of the cash crop.

“We are here as a County Government in response to a complaint that was raised by members of this community about this four acre piece of land that used to serve as a cattle dip that they built using their own money,” Said Sang.

His actions were faulted by several leaders including Nandi County Police Commander Thomas Ngeiywa who stated that “People need to sort out issues through legal manner rather than resorting to destruction”.

Charles Ouma