- Soy MP David Kiplagat says he has received death threats, including letters warning him not to leave his homestead
- The threats raised widespread concern, prompting members of his constituency to hold a six-hour protest demanding improved security for the MP
- The UDA MP’s complaints come weeks after Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who had also expressed concerns about his safety, was murdered while coming from Parliament
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Soy Member of Parliament David Kiplagat has claimed that he has received chilling death threats, sparking serious concerns about his safety.
The disclosure has sparked worries about a potential increase in threats against political leaders.
Did David Kiplagat receive a warning notice?
Kiplagat revealed that mysterious letters were left outside his Uasin Gishu home, warning him against stepping beyond his homestead.
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“Attention! Attention! You are making too much noise. Keep up, and we will make sure you will not speak again. This is not a debate, it is your final notice,” one alleged threat read.
Following the threats, Soy residents took to the streets for six hours, demanding that the government improve security for their MP.
The constituents also urged security agencies to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
“We cannot allow our MP to be killed. We want His Excellency to be given enough security. If there’s no security, we are going to be the MP’s security,” one resident told Citizen TV.
“We have woken up to a surprising incident. There’s someone spreading notes that are meant to threaten our MP. We cannot condone that,” another resident said.
The MP, a member of President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has since reported the death threats to Ziwa Police Station.
What happens when an MP’s life is in danger?
The first step is for the lawmaker to report the matter to the police so that investigations can start.
The MP can write to the relevant offices within the police service to seek additional security if the threat is serious and remains persistent.
The investigating officers will conduct an independent assessment of the situation, and if they find out that the MP’s concerns are valid, they may recommend additional protection.
Alternatively, the Inspector General of Police may order additional security for the MP upon receiving credible reports from relevant authorities.
The IG may also act on the directions of the Speaker of the National Assembly if the member raises the issue on the floor of the House and seeks the Speaker’s formal intervention.
Other measures the MP can take include issuing a public statement to raise awareness and deter further threats.
The lawmaker can also hire their own private security team to provide additional protection.
It is also advisable for the targeted MP to avoid public gatherings and social joints that might not be safe, particularly at night.
Had MP Ong’ondo Were raised concerns about his safety?
Kiplagat’s concerns come weeks after Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was fatally shot near the City Mortuary roundabout while returning from Parliament.
Were’s family said the late MP had repeatedly voiced concerns about his safety to police but was offered no help. They accused law enforcement of negligence and held them responsible for his deadly attack.
To safeguard himself, Were started using his son’s white Toyota Crown instead of his regular car. Investigators later determined the attackers knew about the switch, making it easier to follow his movements.
Paul Were, the late MP’s brother, said the MP’s reports to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations went unanswered. He added that the perpetrators are known.
The family raised serious concerns about the broader security environment for ordinary citizens.
They warned that such incidents undermine public confidence in law enforcement and the government’s ability to provide security.
Visiting politicians echoed these concerns, urging authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into Were’s killing.
They called for those responsible to be swiftly identified and held accountable, emphasising the need for justice to restore trust and deter future attacks.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on what happens when an MP’s life is in danger
Source: TUKO.co.ke
