NAIROBI, Kenya- A retired senior citizen has lodged a formal complaint against the Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), Joseph Kibet Limo, accusing him of abuse of office, interference with police investigations and obstruction of justice.
The complaint, filed through Mbugua Macharia & Associates Advocates, was addressed to the Deputy Inspector General of the National Police Service, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the ASTU commandant.
The complainant, identified as Wilson Chesonok, alleges that his long-running dispute over several parcels of land has been frustrated by interference within the police service.
According to the complaint dated August 10, 2026, Chesonok purchased the disputed parcels between 1997 and 1999 from relatives of Limo.
He claims that subsequent legal proceedings established his entitlement to the land through decisions by the Land Disputes Tribunal in 2011, the Iten Magistrate’s Court in 2012 and the High Court in Eldoret in 2018.
Despite the court and tribunal decisions, Chesonok alleges that enforcement has remained unsuccessful and that several criminal complaints he filed with police have not resulted in arrests or prosecutions.
The complaints were recorded at Kimwarer Police Post and Muskut Police Post under several Occurrence Book numbers between October 2013 and July 2026.
The complainant alleges that the failure to act on the complaints is linked to interference by Limo.
Allegations against ASTU commandant
In the complaint, Chesonok alleges that Limo told him on December 12, 2025, that he would not allow the transfer of the disputed land and that pursuing the matter through police or courts would be futile.
He further alleges that he was summoned to the County Police Commander’s office on March 25 and August 3, 2026.
According to the complaint, the August meeting was to be chaired by Limo, which the complainant argues raised concerns over conflict of interest and impartiality.
Chesonok also alleges that junior police officers attempting to arrest suspects in connection with the complaints were instructed to stop.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the complaint is now seeking investigations by relevant oversight and justice institutions.
Demands independent investigations
Chesonok has asked the National Police Service to transfer all pending investigations linked to his complaints to an independent team outside Elgeyo Marakwet County.
He has also asked IPOA to conduct a disciplinary inquiry into the allegations against Limo.
The complainant wants the ODPP to review the complaints and direct prosecution if sufficient evidence is found.
He has further asked the Deputy Inspector General and the head of ASTU to take steps to prevent Limo from interfering with ongoing investigations.
The complaint also calls for disciplinary or criminal proceedings against the commandant if the allegations are substantiated.
The lawyers cited several constitutional provisions in support of their client’s complaint, including rights relating to equality, fair administrative action and access to justice.
They also cited provisions of the National Police Service Act relating to professional conduct, impartiality and the prevention of abuse of office and interference with investigations.
