Leaders from Kericho County, led by Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, have called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take decisive action against police officers suspected of working together with criminals. The leaders raised the concerns during the burial of Bernard Kiplangat Ngetich in Kipkelion, following his death approximately one week before the funerThe leaders expressed concern over allegations of criminal activities and possible links between individuals involved in crime and security officers entrusted with protecting members of the public. They insisted that police officers should serve Kenyans with integrity, professionalism and commitment rather than engage in activities that undermine public safety.

The matter has renewed calls for accountability within security agencies, with the leaders urging investigative authorities to establish the truth and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, who represents Kericho County, strongly criticised alleged misconduct within the security sector and urged the DCI to investigate officers suspected of maintaining links with criminals. He called for action against any officers found to be protecting criminal networks or interfering with investigations.

The senator's remarks came at a particularly difficult moment for the Kipkelion community, which is mourning the death of Bernard Kiplangat Ngetich. The funeral provided an opportunity for leaders to address the growing concerns over insecurity and the need to protect residents from violent attacks.

Cheruiyot's demand was not simply about condemning criminal activities. It was also a call for the security agencies to examine their own conduct and ensure that officers entrusted with investigating crimes are not compromised.The concerns are particularly significant because residents depend on police officers and detectives to respond to attacks, collect evidence, identify suspects and ensure that those responsible are taken before the courts.

If officers are suspected of cooperating with criminals, public confidence in the entire justice system can be affected. Cheruiyot's call therefore placed emphasis on the importance of professional conduct, transparency and accountability.The incident generated anger and sadness among residents, particularly because the two men were reportedly returning home when they were attacked.

The death raised questions about the safety of residents travelling at night and the measures being taken to prevent violent incidents in the area.

Following the incident, local leaders visited the survivor, Wilson Rono, to offer support and express their condolences to the affected families. They also visited the scene of the attack and the Kipkelion criminal investigations offices, calling for a thorough investigation.

The post-mortem examination was subsequently conducted at Londiani Referral Hospital on October 29, 2026. According to statements reported following the examination, Ngetich sustained a deep cut measuring approximately 11 centimetres on the left side of his body. The medical findings were expected to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding his death.The leaders want the DCI to establish whether there are individuals involved in criminal activities who may be receiving assistance from people within security institutions.

They argued that the responsibility of investigating crime should never be compromised by personal interests, corruption or relationships between law enforcement officers and suspected criminals.

The DCI is expected to operate independently and professionally, gathering evidence without favouring particular individuals. Where allegations of misconduct arise, they should be investigated through the appropriate procedures.

The leaders also called for a situation in which ordinary residents can report criminal activities without fear of intimidation or retaliation.One of the major issues raised during the funeral was the allegation that some officers could be working together with criminals instead of fulfilling their responsibility to protect the public.

Such allegations are serious because the police and DCI are among the institutions expected to protect communities against robbery, assault, murder and other criminal activities.

When residents suspect that people entrusted with enforcing the law could be cooperating with criminal elements, confidence in security institutions can deteriorate.

Cheruiyot therefore wants the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and take disciplinary or legal action against officers found to have violated their professional responsibilities.

The senator's position also highlights the importance of ensuring that investigations are not influenced by political connections, financial interests or intimidation.The family deserves answers about what happened and why their loved one lost his life. They also need assurance that the investigation will not be abandoned before the truth is established.

The leaders' presence during the funeral demonstrated the seriousness of the matter and the importance of standing with families affected by violence.

They also urged residents who might have information concerning the attack to cooperate with investigators. Witness accounts, CCTV footage, forensic evidence and other relevant information could help detectives reconstruct the events leading to the killing.

The survivor, Wilson Rono, is also an important person in the search for answers because he was reportedly with Ngetich when the attack happened. His recovery and cooperation with investigators could help establish what occurred, subject to the evidence available.The DCI plays an important role in investigating serious crimes in Kenya. Its responsibilities include investigating murder, robbery, organised criminal activities and other offences.

The concerns raised by Cheruiyot underline the need for the institution to maintain high standards of professionalism.

Investigators must be able to work independently, protect witnesses, preserve evidence and ensure that suspects are treated according to the law.

Where allegations involve officers themselves, independent oversight and transparent investigations become particularly important.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) also has a role in investigating complaints involving police misconduct and promoting accountability within the National Police Service.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is another institution responsible for investigating corruption-related offences.Kericho Residents Want Improved Security

The concerns raised during Ngetich's funeral also reflect the wider desire among Kericho residents to enjoy a safer environment.

Residents want security agencies to strengthen patrols, respond quickly to reports of criminal activities and investigate attacks without unnecessary delays.

Night-time security is particularly important in areas where people depend on walking or using public transport to reach their homes.

The attack involving Ngetich and his friend has renewed discussions about the safety of people travelling at night.

Local leaders are expected to work with security officials to identify areas experiencing security challenges and develop measures to prevent further incidents.As the senator called for action, his message placed responsibility on the relevant security institutions to demonstrate that no individual is above the law.

He wants the DCI to investigate allegations of collusion between officers and criminals and ensure that anyone found guilty faces the appropriate consequences.

The call also raises an important question about public confidence: how can residents feel protected if they believe that some of the people responsible for enforcing the law may be working against them?

For the people of Kipkelion, the issue is particularly important because the community is still seeking justice following Ngetich's death.

The leaders want security agencies to demonstrate their commitment through credible investigations and meaningful action rather than promises.