Rioga residents in Nyamira County have vowed to violate a curfew that was imposed on them by area chief following increasing cases of theft in the area.
Speaking on Thursday near Mosobeti market, a group of residents challenged move by chief Peter Orina, terming it unconstitutional and inconsequential.
They asked the national government to intervene and have the chief dismissed for assuming powers of the president and the police without following due process.
They said as much as they were against theft that targeted shop owners from the region, the chief should have consulted wider before imposing 8pm - 6am curfew that has allegedly paralysed economic activities in the region.
“It is improper for someone to assume powers dedicated to certain individuals in the constitution. This is unconstitutional and we call upon the government to investigate the conduct of chief and possibly dismiss him,” said Joshua Nyandika.
“We are unable to execute crucial duties mostly economic transactions that may go beyond the stipulated time. I am not opposing intentions to catch up with criminals but this is not the right way to go,” said Isaiah Nyakundi, a resident.
Speaking on phone, the chief defended the move, saying it was a collective resolution by those who had attended Monday’s meeting in his office.
“It was basically not my own decision. Village elders were widely consulted and they arrived the solution. As a chief, I had to implement what representatives had agreed,” he said.