Police in Eldoret have arrested a man accused of destroying newly planted tree seedlings along the streets of Eldoret town. The arrest comes as Uasin Gishu County prepares for the conferment of Eldoret to city status next week. The man was reportedly caught on CCTV uprooting the plants.
He was detained in Eldoret’s central business district and is currently being held at Eldoret Central Police Station. Authorities have not yet determined his motive, though some believe he may not be of sound mind.
This incident occurred shortly after leaders from the North Rift region met in Eldoret to finalize preparations for the upcoming event, which will be officiated by President William Ruto and other senior government officials on August 8. During the event, President Ruto will present the city charter to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii.
On Monday, Governor Bii hosted several county officials, including Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich and Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomurukai, along with several MPs, to plan for the celebration. Eldoret will become Kenya’s fifth city, joining Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru.