By S, KNA
Residents of Maraba Trading Centre in Tinderet Sub-county took to the streets, Tuesday, in a tense demonstration demanding to know the whereabouts of a local politician and parliamentary aspirant, Shadrack Maritim, who disappeared late last month.
The protests, which began peacefully, turned chaotic as police fired tear gas to disperse crowds that had blocked the main road and lit bonfires.
According to witnesses, hundreds of residents chanted slogans and carried placards, calling for justice and the safe return of Maritim, whose disappearance has left the community anxious and frustrated.
The politician was last seen on the morning of October 27, while on his routine run in the Cheplaskei area of Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
Family members say he left home around 6 a.m. and never returned, and his phone has been switched off since then.
Authorities have confirmed that a missing-person report was filed and that investigations are ongoing.
Nandi County Police Commander Thomas Ototo said a multi-agency search team had been formed to trace Maritim’s whereabouts.
“We are actively investigating the disappearance and following up on every lead. We urge anyone with credible information to report to the nearest police station,” Mr. Ototo said.
During the protests, police deployed heavily in Maraba and used tear gas to control crowds after some protesters refused to leave the streets.
A few residents were seen squatting on the ground and shouting Maritim’s name in defiance, while others appealed for calm, insisting that their protest was peaceful and meant only to draw attention to the matter.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who visited Langas Police Station in Eldoret, alongside Maritim’s family and other leaders, thanked the police for their efforts, but urged them to intensify the search.
He said the disappearance had caused great concern among residents and called on the government to act swiftly to locate the missing politician.
“We just want to know where our brother is. His family is suffering, and the community is living in fear,” said Melly.
Many locals expressed fear over rising insecurity in the area and criticized what they see as slow communication from the authorities.
“We are extremely worried. Maritim is one of us, and we will not stop demanding answers until he is found,” said one of the demonstrators.
As the search continues, Commander Ototo, maintained that police are pursuing all possible leads and urged residents to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed.
However, the tension in Maraba remains high, with residents vowing to continue peaceful demonstrations until there is clarity on what happened to Maritim.
The incident has not only unsettled the small trading centre, but has also drawn attention to growing concerns about the safety of political figures and the effectiveness of law enforcement in responding, to such disappearances.
