Ex-officers deny fuelling post-poll chaos

By TITUS TOO                    

KENYA: Former top security personnel in Rift Valley have distanced themselves from allegations that they held meetings to form a network at the height of the 2007/2008 post-poll chaos.

The officers said they never planned any violence, adding that the 3,000 firearms claimed to have been distributed at Deputy President William Ruto’s home was a huge arsenal that would have been detected by the government.

Mr Samson Cherambos, who formerly served as commandant at the General Service Unit and the presidential escort, dismissed the allegations as “totally untrue”.

“At no time did we ever meet to establish a network. There were no meetings held at my home and it can be proven in my visitors’ book on the number of guests I have hosted,” he said.

Cherambos who spoke to The Standard on Wednesday said Ruto only made a visit to his home (Cherambo’s) in Aldai in 2009 during the Nandi South District education day.

“I retired honourably from the service and was even given medals, including that of most distinguished officer. I have never been involved in any crime,” said Cherambos on telephone.

The former commandant added: “Ruto was not in the government of the day at that time and the alleged distribution of 3,000 firearms could not have escaped government agents”.

Government documents

He said the then National Security Intelligence Service (now National Intelligence Service) had a duty to be aware of activities of top security officers who sign government documents on retirement.

Cherambos gave his testimony at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands during pre-trial hearings and stated that he had never been to Ruto’s Sugoi home in Uasin Gishu County. He dismissed allegations of weapons distribution and meetings at his home in Kobujoi, Nandi South District, as fabrication.

“If the allegations are analysed, it will be established that they are all fabrications because there is no tangible evidence,” he said.

Cherambos further said he could not have been a commander of a massacre on Kenyans, adding that he participated in calling for peace and calm in violence hotspots in Aldai, Nandi County.

Firearm distribution

Former army commander Major Gen (rtd) Augustine Cheruiyot rubbished claims of distribution of 3,000 firearms.

“Hiyo ni upuzi. (That is ridiculous) Those are allegations. 3,000 firearms are a lot of guns and can be enough for a military brigade. It would have been known by everybody,” he said.

He said maintaining such a large consignment of firearms requires proper infrastructure including an armoury for storage adding that even 20 firearms are many.

He pointed out that he served as a distinguished military officer for 35- years, saying he could not perpetrate chaos against Kenyans through any networks.

“I served as a commander in the Kenya Army and I cannot engage in any violence against Kenyans whom I lived my years protecting,” said Cheruiyot.