Senator Sigei links Bomet Law Courts arson attempt to 2017 graft cover-up
By Kiprono Keileb, August 20, 2025Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei has condemned the attempted arson at the Bomet Law Courts, warning that the attack is a direct assault on justice and an attempt to derail corruption prosecutions in the county.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the senator likened the incident to the 2017 torching of the Bomet County Procurement Offices, which he said was a deliberate move to cripple efforts to trace stolen public funds.
“The attempted burning of the Bomet Law Courts is not just an act of arson. It is a direct assault on justice, an attempt to sabotage the rule of law, and a desperate move by criminals to derail the prosecution of corruption and other high-profile cases,” Sigei stated.
The senator described the incident as a calculated plot orchestrated by individuals seeking to conceal the truth. He noted that such criminal acts target critical records and judicial processes, undermining accountability and the fight against graft.
“This was a calculated, cowardly, and criminal act meant to interfere with sensitive judicial processes. It is a blatant attempt to destroy evidence, intimidate the judiciary, and cripple the justice system. We will not allow criminals to hide behind fire and destruction,” he said.
Sigei linked the attempted arson to past efforts to cover up corruption in Bomet. He recalled the September 2017 fire that gutted the County Procurement Offices, an event he said was never accidental but rather a plot to erase evidence of theft and shield powerful individuals.
“This country has not forgotten the September 2017 torching of Bomet County Procurement Offices, a move that crippled efforts to trace stolen funds, verify county pending bills, and hold public officials accountable. That fire was not an accident. And neither is this one,” he warned.
The senator urged security agencies to move swiftly and bring those behind the attack to justice. He insisted that no individual, no matter how powerful, should be spared if found culpable.
“We are sounding the alarm: attacks on public institutions will not be tolerated. Those behind this cowardly attack must be hunted down, arrested, and prosecuted without mercy. Let there be no sacred cows, whether they are in office or hiding in the shadows,” Sigei emphasised.
He further called on the government to tighten security around key public institutions, including courts, procurement offices, and land registries, which he described as vital pillars of accountability.
“I urge the national government, through its security agencies, to immediately secure and fortify critical government institutions: the Law Courts, County Finance and Procurement Offices, and Land Registries. These are not just buildings. They are the backbone of accountability in this country,” Sigei said.
The senator cautioned that if such attacks are allowed to persist, they will embolden criminals and weaken the justice system.
“If we allow criminals to burn down justice, we are allowing impunity to reign,” he warned.
The incident has sparked outrage in Bomet, with residents and leaders demanding swift investigations. Security officials are yet to issue an official statement, but pressure is mounting for answers and accountability.