Tension is rising in Konoin Constituency, Bomet County, following the death of a 17-year-old boy who was allegedly killed after being accused of plucking tea at Browns Investment Company plantation.Residents have condemned the incident, saying the teenager could have been subjected to legal action instead of losing his life. The incident has sparked outrage across the area, with locals demanding swift investigations and justice for the family.Area MP Brighton Yegon strongly condemned the killing, describing it as cruel and inhumane. In a statement shared on his Facebook page,the legislator called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and other security agencies to move with speed and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.Yegon also warned that residents are preparing for demonstrations over the incident if justice is not served.
Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir also expressed sorrow over the teenager’s death, urging authorities to speed up investigations and hold those responsible accountable before the law.
The incident has revived painful memories of past unrest linked to the tea company. A few years ago, protests erupted in neighbouring villages, including Chepchabas, after many workers were laid off by the company. During the demonstrations, several people were reportedly killed while others sustained injuries.
Residents now accuse the company of neglecting its corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations, claiming the introduction of heavy tea-plucking machines led to massive job losses among locals who depended on the plantation for employment.Some community members have also compared Browns Investment. Company with former tea operator Unilever, alleging that Unilever offered more employment opportunities and maintained stronger community support programs before Browns took over operations.Police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as investigations continue.