Tension has gripped Maraba in Tinderet Constituency, Nandi County, after angry residents took to the streets to protest the mysterious disappearance of Shadrack Maritim, a local MP aspirant who has been missing since October 27.
Carrying twigs and banners, the protesters demanded answers from the authorities as they blocked roads and lit bonfires.
Police officers responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd, but demonstrators regrouped, chanting Maritim’s name and calling for his immediate return.
According to reports, Maritim vanished while on his morning run in Cheplaskei, Uasin Gishu County, near Eldoret City.
Witnesses say he left his home around 6 a.m. and never returned.
A missing person poster shared by his family stated that he had gone for his routine morning run and never returned, adding that they were extremely worried and were appealing for help in finding him.
He was last seen wearing a grey track jacket, bluish track trousers, and grey sneakers.
His family says he left behind his phone and has not made any contact since.
However, speculation has emerged among some political rivals who claim the politician may have faked his disappearance to gain sympathy ahead of the elections.
Police have yet to confirm these claims.
The protests come just days after Nandi leaders, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, visited Langas Police Station in Eldoret to seek updates on the investigation.
Melly said that following the unfortunate disappearance of Shadrack Maritim (Captain) since Monday, he, together with fellow leaders and family members, had visited Langas Police Station to follow up with the authorities on the progress of investigations.
As the search continues, residents are demanding transparency and swift action from the police, calling the case a “test of justice” for their community.
By Meta