For over six months, Cheboror Patrol Base in Cherus Centre, Kesses, operated as an unauthorized police station, reportedly set up by Chepkulei, a 26-year-old man who claimed he was stepping in to curb rising insecurity. The makeshift ‘station’ was complete with holding cells and a Probox painted in Administration Police (AP) colors, creating an illusion of an official law enforcement post.
While authorities have since shut it down, the controversy surrounding the case has taken a dramatic turn after Chepkulei claimed that top police officers were aware of his operation—and even supported him.
‘They Knew and Let Me Operate’ – Chepkulei Speaks Out
Addressing the media, Chepkulei insisted that his initiative was not a secret, adding that he had the backing of some senior police officers who allegedly turned a blind eye to his activities.
“I was not hiding. The police knew about it. If they had a problem, they could have stopped me months ago, but they didn’t because they saw I was helping the community,” he alleged.
His shocking revelations have raised serious questions about whether his ‘police station’ was truly illegal—or if there were elements within the force who silently approved of his actions.
Kenyan Law on Establishing Police Stations
According to the Kenyan Constitution, only the Inspector General of Police has the mandate to establish a police station in any part of the country. Any other form of law enforcement unit not sanctioned by the IG is considered illegal.
With this legal provision in mind, Chepkulei’s operation was clearly outside the law. But does his claim of police involvement suggest a bigger systemic failure within law enforcement?
Residents Back Him: ‘He Was Doing a Better Job Than the Police’
Speaking to local television stations, residents of Kesses defended Chepkulei, saying his initiative was necessary because of rising insecurity.
“We had reported cases of theft and attacks, but police were too slow to respond. At Cheboror Patrol Base, action was immediate,” one resident said.
Another added, “If top cops really supported him, then maybe they knew he was actually solving problems.”
Police Dismiss the Allegations
Despite Chepkulei’s claims, local law enforcement officers have denied any official involvement, instead blaming residents for failing to follow the right procedures to establish a legitimate police station.
“We do not support illegal security operations. If there was any collaboration, it was not official,” a senior officer stated.
However, the incident has exposed deep flaws in Kenya’s security system—where communities feel abandoned to the point of rallying behind a ‘fake’ OCS.
Was This a Lone Operation or a Cover-Up?
With Chepkulei insisting he had silent approval from top cops, pressure is now mounting for authorities to investigate whether his claims hold any truth. Was this truly a one-man operation, or is there a bigger cover-up at play?
As Kenyans demand answers, one thing is clear—this case is far from over.
